Tore Payam Chiefs Call for Action on Unpaid Allowances

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – The Commissioner of Yei River County, Hon. Emmanuel Taban Seme, has urged communities in Tore Payam to embrace peace while acknowledging that delayed payments for traditional leaders remain a serious concern affecting local governance.

Speaking during a visit to Tore Payam, including Goli Boma and Bandame Sub Boma, Commissioner Seme said peace and cooperation were essential for development to take place. “Peace is the foundation of everything we want to achieve in this county,” he told residents. “Without peace, there can be no roads, no services, and no progress.”

The Commissioner noted that several challenges continue to affect the area, including insecurity, poor road infrastructure, limited skills training for women, and delayed salaries for chiefs. He acknowledged the frustration caused by the payment delays, saying, “Our chiefs are the backbone of community leadership, and when their salaries delay, it affects the whole system of local administration.”

Commissioner Seme encouraged cooperation between civilians and the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces operating in the area. “The army and the community must work together,” he said. “Unity between civilians and security forces helps create safety and opens the way for development.”

He also appealed to armed groups that have not yet joined the peace process to abandon violence. “Those still holding onto conflict should come and join the government peace efforts,” the Commissioner said. “Continued fighting only delays development for our people in Yei River County and South Sudan as a whole.”

On local conflicts involving Ambororo cattle nomads, Commissioner Seme called for dialogue and peaceful solutions. “These issues can only be solved through talking and understanding, not through violence,” he said.

The Commissioner further called for reconciliation meetings to address wounds left by the 2016 conflict. “We need reconciliation conferences so that communities can heal and rebuild trust, including between civilians and the military,” he said.

Youth representative from Goli Boma, Cypriano Bakata, said insecurity and lack of education opportunities were major problems for young people. “The youth want peace, but we also need education and safety,” he said. “We ask the county leadership to prioritise the challenges facing young people in Tore Payam.”

From Bandame Sub Boma, Chairlady Evana Egbatala appealed for better protection of civilians. “Our people are still facing threats,” she said. “We need stronger security, and we also need schools and health facilities for our children and families.”

Executive Chief Pascale Woku welcomed the Commissioner’s visit and openly raised concerns about unpaid salaries for chiefs. “We appreciate this visit because it gives us hope,” he said. “But our chiefs have not been paid on time, and this makes it difficult for them to serve the community effectively.”

Chief Woku added that communities in Goli have suffered from years of conflict. “Since 2013, our people have endured a lot,” he said. “We still need support to rebuild our lives and restore normal services.”

In response, Commissioner Seme assured residents that their concerns would be addressed. “I have heard you clearly,” he said. “The issues of security, services, and delayed salaries for chiefs will be followed up with the relevant authorities, and we will work together to find solutions.”

According to the county press in the office of the commissioner, the visit and outreach reflects ongoing efforts by county authorities to promote peace at grassroots level, while addressing practical governance issues such as the welfare of traditional leaders, which many residents see as central to stability and recovery in Yei River County and wider South Sudan.

Peace and Development Focus in Goli and Bandame