Governor Riek: Peace is Foundation for Jonglei Development

(POKTAP, DUK COUNTY) – A major public peace rally has been scheduled for Monday in Poktap as part of efforts to end conflict between the Ayual community of Twic East County and the Hol community of Duk County in Jonglei State.

The announcement was made as Governor Riek Gai Kok concluded a five day peace mission across the two counties. Speaking on behalf of the Governor, State Minister of General Education Ador Thon said the rally would take place at 10:00 a.m. and called on all residents to attend in large numbers. He urged the communities to reaffirm their commitment to dialogue, forgiveness and lasting peace.

The Governor and his delegation arrived in Poktap, Duk County, where they were received by Commissioner John Chatiem, county government officials, traditional leaders, youth and women representatives and members of the local community.

The peace mission began on 24 June when the Governor led a high profile state delegation to Twic East County. The delegation included Speaker of the Jonglei State Transitional Legislative Assembly Malual Gabriel Kon, State Advisor for Legal Affairs Ding Akol Ding, State Technical Advisor Mabil Dau, members of the State Cabinet, members of the State Legislative Assembly and the Commissioners of Uror, Bor and Ayod Counties.

The mission sought to facilitate constructive dialogue and identify durable solutions to the longstanding conflict between the two communities. State leaders expressed confidence that the engagement would contribute to restoring trust, strengthening social cohesion and ensuring sustainable peace in the affected areas.

In Panyagor, Twic East County, the Governor addressed a public peace rally on Thursday. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting peace, stability and development across Jonglei State and urged residents to support government led peace initiatives.

The Governor said peace remains the foundation for development and prosperity, noting that lasting stability would allow free movement of people and goods throughout Jonglei State and beyond.

Speaker Malual Gabriel Kon pledged the full support of the State Legislature to peacebuilding efforts and called on both communities to embrace unity and reconciliation.

State Minister of Lands, Housing and Public Utilities Jacob Mayom Chol highlighted infrastructure achievements under the Governor’s leadership. He stated that road connectivity between Bor and the northern parts of Jonglei State is becoming a reality, adding that the road linking Panyagor Town to Canal is now operational. He further affirmed the government’s commitment to completing the road up to Marem.

Chairperson of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission James Jok Alier said the state government is working closely with humanitarian partners to provide food assistance and other basic services to internally displaced persons and returnees in Panyagor.

Commissioner of Twic East County James Magok Mabiei said the state government’s efforts have helped restore hope, dignity and confidence among local communities.

Following the Twic East engagement, the delegation proceeded to Duk County where they received a warm reception from county authorities and the community. The visit was described as another important step in the government’s commitment to promoting peace, reconciliation and unity.

At a public rally in Duk Padiet, Governor Riek Gai Kok addressed thousands of residents and said peace and reconciliation remain the government’s highest priorities. He described them as the only sustainable path toward stability, development and improved livelihoods for the people of Jonglei State. He called upon all communities to reject violence, embrace forgiveness and work together to safeguard the gains made through dialogue.

Speaker Malual Gabriel Kon again pledged the Assembly’s full support for the state’s peace initiatives. He said the legislature would continue working closely with the executive to advance reconciliation efforts and urged the people of Duk County to remain united in support of peace and social harmony.

Minister of Peacebuilding Alier John Panchol appealed to the youth to play a leading role in promoting peace and reconciliation. He noted that the active participation of young people is essential to building a secure environment that would attract development and improve the welfare of local communities.

Earlier, in Bor, the Governor opened a two day Stakeholder Engagement Workshop on Humanitarian Access and Protection of Civilians. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working closely with humanitarian partners to promote peace, stability and sustainable development across the state.

The Governor expressed concerns over challenges facing humanitarian operations, particularly disagreements regarding security measures and the enforcement of national laws. He stressed that state authorities have a constitutional responsibility to ensure that harmful substances, including illegal drugs such as tramadol, do not enter communities.

The workshop brought together county commissioners, government officials, humanitarian organisations and other stakeholders to discuss ways of improving humanitarian access and civilian protection in Jonglei State.

The UNMISS Civil Affairs Representative, Khalifa Para, commended the state government for its partnership with humanitarian actors and reaffirmed UNMISS commitment to supporting development and peacebuilding initiatives in Jonglei.