(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – The newly appointed Caretaker Commissioner of Yei River County, Emmanuel Taban Seme, has called on residents to uphold peace, unity and coexistence as South Sudan prepares for its long-awaited elections.
Hundreds of residents, including county officials, traditional leaders, youth and women representatives, organized forces and media practitioners, gathered in Yei on Friday to welcome Seme following his appointment as caretaker commissioner, succeeding Samuel Henry Malimbo.
Addressing the crowd, Commissioner Seme urged communities across the county to work together to maintain stability and harmony during the electoral period. He also pledged to continue implementing existing county development priorities and strategic plans.
The Commander of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) in Yei, Major General John Lual, welcomed the commissioner and described the security situation in the county as generally calm despite reports of armed activities in some areas.
General Lual also encouraged young people to join the national army, saying their participation would strengthen leadership and contribute to maintaining security in the county.
Meanwhile, Chairlady of the Yei Women Association, Helen Ciama, appealed for cooperation, peace and development as the country moves closer to elections.
The Chairperson of the Yei River County Youth Association, Gaga Frank Osman, welcomed Seme’s appointment and called on the government to create more employment opportunities for young people.
He said the new commissioner has maintained a positive relationship with the youth and expressed hope that their concerns would receive greater attention under his leadership.
Yei River County Executive Director Hillary Lokudu Muhammed said residents had warmly received Seme’s return and encouraged him to build upon the achievements of his predecessor.
Lokudu further stressed the importance of involving young people in local governance and ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes.
Speaking at the event, the Caretaker Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement in Central Equatoria State, Napatali Hassan Gale, said caretaker administrations remain part of the country’s transitional political framework established under the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement.
He urged residents to actively participate in the electoral process, particularly voter registration exercises conducted by the electoral commission.
Gale also warned against misinformation and the spread of false information that could trigger violence during the election period.
He called on communities across Yei River County to support peace initiatives, reject divisive narratives and work together to preserve stability as the country prepares for the polls.
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