Ex Lainya Commissioner Warns Insecurity Is Holding Back Greater Yei Region

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – The former Commissioner of Lainya County has called on political and community leaders in Central Equatoria State to prioritise peaceful dialogue as a way to end years of insecurity in the Greater Yei region.

Speaking on the Access Radio breakfast show on Wednesday, Emmanuel Khamis Richard urged leaders and residents from Lainya, Yei, Morobo and Kajo Keji counties to work together to address violence that has disrupted daily life and slowed development.

He said continued insecurity has undermined development, trade, service delivery and peace building efforts in one of South Sudan’s key food producing areas.

“Persistent insecurity has retarded efforts for development, trade, service delivery, peace and reconciliation in this conflict affected region,” Mr Khamis said.

The former commissioner stressed that engaging in peaceful dialogue with armed groups, particularly in Yei River County, is essential to restoring stability. He said peace would allow communities to rebuild infrastructure and improve access to basic services.

“Let us as political leaders talk as sons and daughters of Yei on the importance of peace and develop ways to end this violence in the Greater Yei region.”

Mr Khamis added that peace would make it possible to repair roads, schools, boreholes and health centres across payams and bomas.

“With peace, all our roads, schools, boreholes and health centres in the payams and bomas can be rehabilitated and help our people get better services in the villages.”

He also appealed directly to residents to engage with local authorities and raise concerns affecting their communities:

“I encourage our local population not to fear. Let them speak up and visit the county commissioners in their offices and share their concerns affecting them with the government for immediate solutions.”

According to him, cooperation between citizens and county leadership is key to rebuilding trust and supporting recovery efforts across the region. “Together we can rebuild the Greater Yei region,” he added.

Mr Khamis further called on parents and guardians to play an active role in promoting peace and security, especially among young people. He expressed concern about reports of criminal gangs emerging in Yei town and other urban centres in the area.

“We have heard reports of criminal gang groups cropping up in Yei town and other towns in the Greater Yei area.”

He urged families to guide their children away from criminal behaviour and respect the laws of the country:

“We call on parents to take care and guide their children from going against the laws governing this country.”

The Greater Yei region, particularly Yei and Morobo counties in Central Equatoria State, has continued to face waves of insecurity since the outbreak of conflict in 2016. Violence has disrupted farming, trade and access to services, despite the area’s importance to national food production.

As a result of the prolonged instability, many residents have fled their homes and sought refuge in neighbouring Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Many local leaders agree sustained peace is critical to allow displaced families to return and to support long term recovery in South Sudan’s southern counties.

Key issues affecting the Greater Yei region