Yei and Morobo Locals Say Peace Agreement Not Felt on Ground

(YEI/MOROBO COUNTIES) – Residents of Yei River and Morobo Counties in Central Equatoria State have made fresh appeals to both government and church leaders to prioritise peace and reconciliation in the conflict affected region.

The communities continue to face recurring insecurity, marked by violent clashes, ambushes, the abduction of humanitarian workers and threats against local leaders. This has left many residents living in fear and uncertainty.

James Dada, a concerned resident of Yei River County, expressed his alarm over the deteriorating security situation and urged authorities and peace partners to take decisive action.

“We are tired of the war and insecurity that has persisted since 2016,” he said. “Yei is yearning for peace and stability. We call on the state governor, church leaders, UNMISS, and civil society organisations to prioritise dialogue between armed groups and government forces to end the violence.”

Dada further recommended strengthening civil-military relations through inclusive peace forums to address reported human rights violations and rebuild trust between civilians and armed actors.

In Mugwo Payam, local woman Tabitha Margret said fear has become a daily reality.

“We want peace, not war. Women, children and the elderly are suffering. We are tired of living like this,” she said.

Lemeri George Taban, a resident of Morobo County, also voiced similar concerns, noting that many returnees from refugee camps in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have found themselves re-exposed to violence, killings and abductions.

“People have returned home hoping for peace, only to be met with the same cycle of insecurity. We do not feel the impact of the 2018 peace agreement here,” he said, referring to the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

Khamisa Doru, a mother of seven living in Morobo, said the continued instability has eroded hopes for reconciliation.

“As a mother, I urge Governor Rabi to listen to our plea. We want peace in Morobo, not more fighting,” she said. Khamisa added that peace would allow women to return to farming, trade and participate in local development efforts.

Central Equatoria State Governor Rabi Mujung Emmanuel has on multiple occasions reaffirmed his government’s commitment to peace and stability. He has also called for closer collaboration between citizens, church leaders and government institutions in promoting reconciliation and unity.

On Thursday, 1 August 2025, Governor Mujung held a meeting with the acting head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Guang Cong, in Juba. The visit focused on strengthening cooperation between UNMISS and the state government.

During the meeting, Mr Cong congratulated Governor Mujunj on his appointment and pledged UNMISS’s ongoing support for South Sudan’s peacebuilding and development efforts. A statement from the Governor’s office said the two leaders discussed shared objectives, including civil protection, institutional development and community cohesion.

Governor Mujunj welcomed UNMISS’s engagement and highlighted his administration’s priorities, which include enhancing peace and security, fostering unity among communities, driving socio-economic growth and improving public services.

Insecurity in the region has hindered many of these efforts, with community members voicing frustration over the gap between high level political agreements and the realities on the ground. Many say there is a pressing need for inclusive dialogue, tangible peace dividends and the protection of civilian life.

While the revitalised peace agreement signed in 2018 was intended to end years of civil war, implementation at the local level remains uneven. Communities in Yei and Morobo are now urging both national and international stakeholders to prioritise meaningful engagement with local actors and guarantee their protection and inclusion in all peace processes.