Yei Town Records Calm Christmas After Years of Insecurity

(YEI TOWN, YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Residents of Yei town in Central Equatoria State have praised the county government and security forces for maintaining safety and protecting civilians during the Christmas period.

Several residents told Access Radio that the celebrations ended peacefully, with no criminal incidents reported in major parts of the town. They said the calm environment allowed families and friends to celebrate freely without fear.

Clement Duku, a resident of Lomuku One area, said the peaceful celebrations were the result of coordination between the county leadership and security forces:

“We had a peaceful Christmas celebration, and we need to thank the county commissioner and the security organs for ensuring that civilians celebrated in peace and safety.”

Clement called on both leaders and residents to sustain peace across Yei River County.

“We need peace and stability in the whole of Yei River County, and peaceful co existence starts with you and me. That is our collective responsibility,” he said.

He added that security would help residents rebuild their livelihoods. “We want peace in 2026 so that we can go to our farms and travel to our villages in peace,” Clement said.

Sarah Medina, a resident of Hai Leben area, said this year’s Christmas was calm and well organised. “We witnessed and celebrated the 2025 Christmas Day in peace,” she said.

She explained that people moved freely across different parts of the town. “We moved from area to area and visited social places in Yei town like Yei Freedom Square and the youth gardens, and people celebrated the day in peace with one another,” Sarah said.

Sarah expressed hope that the situation would continue in the future. “That is what we want to see in Yei town for many more years to come,” she added.

Another resident, Gismala Peter from Dar el Salam area, also described the Christmas celebrations as peaceful. “We celebrated Christmas in peace, and security was stable, especially around the town square,” he said.

Gismala thanked the security forces and local authorities for maintaining order. “We need to thank the police and the army for ensuring safety. Some of our colleagues moved throughout the night during Christmas, and everything was calm,” he said.

He also praised the county leadership. “We thank the county commissioner for ensuring law and order in the town,” Gismala added.

Yei River County, located about one hundred miles south west of Juba, has been one of the areas in Central Equatoria State most affected by insecurity since the outbreak of conflict in 2016. Residents say the peaceful Christmas celebrations have given them renewed hope that stability and normal life can gradually return.

Reported Security Situation During Christmas in Yei