By Alan Clement
The Commissioner of Tambura County, Mathew Mabenge, has welcomed a recent appeal for peace by the local bishop, saying religious efforts offer the best hope for long-term stability in the county.
“I welcome the bishop’s call for peace because anything relating to God will restore a permanent peace,” said Commissioner Mabenge in an exclusive interview with this outlet on Sunday. “I don’t think anyone can attempt to disregard this appeal for peace in Tambura,” he added.
Commissioner Mabenge acknowledged that while the situation has “calmed a bit”, since UNMISS began their patrols, the county still lacks additional reinforcements. “Only the ground forces who are here already are the ones providing security,” he stated, adding that the governor has not yet relocated to the county.
He also outlined that the organized forces and UNMISS has conduct their patrols independently. The sentiment was echoed by Captain David Bol, commander of the organized forces working with regional forces. Bol explained that while UNMISS and organized forces coordinate, they patrol separately.
“UNMISS focuses on daytime patrols within the county, while organized forces cover the outskirts during the day and shift inside the county at night,” he explained adding, “usually when UNMISS intend to patrol towards Mupoi or Source-Yubu, we provide them with one intelligence officer, but we don’t patrol together.”
Despite the heavy workload, the captain praised the dedication of his troops to ensure that civilians are protected in the county. “My forces are motivated despite having to patrol day and night. Now with forces deployed in Mupoi, Source-Yubu, Nabanga, and other areas, at least we are able to patrol day and night.”
Both officials emphasized the importance of protecting roads and farmlands. According to Capt. Bol, the organized forces have been deployed on major roads with the potential of unintended obstacles to civilian operation but urged citizens to remain vigilant, particularly on lesser-known roads leading to farms.
Commissioner Mabenge confirmed that the county plans to deploy “out forces” to safeguard civilians working on farms. “The out forces will secure areas outside the county and provide a shield to civilians in their farms, keeping them inside the county,” he stated.
The situation remains fragile, but the collaboration between UNMISS and local forces, along with religious and civic appeals for peace, has provided a measure of calm in the once-volatile area.