Small London’s Big Problem: South Sudanese in Yei Want Peace, Not Politics

(YEI) – Residents in Yei River County, Central Equatoria State, are urging South Sudanese authorities and development partners to renew and strengthen their commitment to peace, reconciliation and security in the region.

This comes in the middle of continued insecurity, including roadside ambushes, abductions and general fear along the county’s key rural routes.

For many residents, peace is seen not just as the absence of violence, but as the foundation for social harmony, economic recovery and the return of displaced families. Amule Victor, a local resident, said peace brings confidence and fosters trust among diverse communities.

“My call to the government and development partners is that they should put more efforts on peace and reconciliation so that we stay in peace with one another. We want peace in the whole of Yei River County,” he said.

Similar sentiments were voiced by Minala Poni, who lives in Hai Gabat. She expressed a longing for safer roads and more vibrant town life.

“We want to see our Yei where the roads are safe to travel in and people move and stay in the town till late hours in the evening before returning home. If there is peace, business and other social services will boom in the town,” she noted.

The memories of a more peaceful Yei, once nicknamed “Small London” for its diversity and liveliness, still linger in the minds of many. David Deng, a resident of Hai Lomuku, recalled how Yei once welcomed South Sudanese from all 64 ethnic groups, as well as foreign nationals.

“Yei used to be a peaceful town for all South Sudanese including foreign nationals. We want peace restored in Yei so that many people can still return and live in Yei town,” he said.

In Jigomoni, resident Duku Mathew reminded leaders not to overlook Yei, highlighting the town’s historical significance during the liberation struggle.

“Let the government not forget the people of Yei. Yei is a well known area during the liberation struggle and most of the leaders know that very well. We want peace so that we focus on development,” he stated.

Villagers in the surrounding rural areas, such as Otogo Payam, have also joined the call. Aligo Desmond stressed that development is impossible without peace.

“We cannot talk about food production when there is no peace. We cannot talk about house construction or setting up businesses when there is no peace in the area. For now, we want peace and reconciliation because we are tired of war,” said Aligo.

In response to the growing concerns, Yei River County Commissioner Emmanuel Taban Seme has repeatedly appealed to residents to embrace peace and forgiveness. He reiterated that the local government remains committed to restoring peace and security across the county.

Yei County is located roughly 160 kilometres southwest of the national capital Juba, and was heavily impacted by the conflict that broke out in 2016. The fighting displaced tens of thousands of residents, many of whom sought refuge in neighbouring Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Nearly a decade later, the scars of conflict remain, but so does the resilience and hope of its people.