The Governor of South Sudan’s Yei River State, Colonel David Lokonga Moses, has called on citizens to work together to restore peace in the state. He said this upon his return from an official visit to Juba.
Speaking to reporters upon touching down at Yei airstrip, Governor Lokonga urged local citizens, government officials and security agencies in his state to work in harmony in order to find a lasting solution to the prevailing security situation.
“We have to put our hands together and discuss issues of Yei River state…We have to unite the people of South Sudan and we have to work for peace,” Lokonga told journalists Thursday afternoon. “Yei River state is going to return to normalcy if we cooperate.”
During his three week stay in Juba, he said he met president Salva Kiir and top government officials, and discussed with them the current security situation in Yei.
The state has been in a state of insecurity, as seen by blocking of highways, civilian killings, looting and destruction of property.
Governor Lokonga said “time has come” to negotiate and reconcile with armed opposition groups so as to resolve any of their grievances.
He called on commissioners of the thirteen counties in the state to “engage each and everybody” in search for an amicable solution to the violence, which has become worse following the outbreak of clashes in Juba in July.
“We discussed how to engage with the armed groups. We agreed that the only solution is to speak with them,” he said.
“I think the time has come. Whoever is in the bush, you are welcome. The doors are open,” he said, extending an amnesty to rebels who are in the bush fighting the national government.
The Governor directed security agencies to ensure that no person remains in custody, including those arrested and detained for collaborating with armed opposition groups. He also said that all checkpoints should remain open for free movement to and from the town.
He directed security personnel to apprehend civilians or soldiers who are found misusing their guns, especially at night. He directed security authorities to confiscate the guns of perpetrators who are scaring residents by carelessly shooting in the air.