By Alan Clement
In his continuous effort to disseminate the state of emergency, Warrap state Governor, Bol Wek Agoth, has tasked local chiefs with ensuring a peaceful and effective disarmament.
According to the Governor’s office, Wek reminded the community that peace and order are prerequisites for development during his final meeting on the peace drive held in Gogrial East County on Sunday August 17th, 2025.
“Our State can be developed to the level of America. Everything is possible,” the Governor stated, as he pledged to cement peace as the foundation for service delivery and infrastructure growth.
Warrap State, along with Unity state, was placed under a State of Emergency earlier this year by President Salva Kiir Mayardit following persistent communal violence, cattle raids, and armed youth clashes that have claimed lives and displaced families. The order empowered state authorities to conduct disarmament campaigns aimed at restoring law and order.
During the gathering in Gogrial East, William Deng Akoon offered biblical encouragement, reading: “In you, O Lord, I put my trust; let me not be put to shame,” encouraging the residents of Gogrial East to embrace God’s wisdom and pursue peace to avoid further societal degradation caused by lawlessness.
Dr. Achuil Malei Aliap, also in attendance conveyed a message of support from Mama Mary Ayen Mayardit, the First Lady of South Sudan. In her message, the First Lady pledged her support for Governor Agoth and urged the people of Gogrial East to rally behind the Governor.
Gen. Garang Mabil Deng underscored the role of elders in shaping unity stating, “The unity of the elders is the unity of our young people and which in turn is our unity in general.” He emphasized the importance of unity among elders in order for the younger generation to learn from them.
Governor Agoth also expressed concern over youth involvement in illicit drinking in his closing remarks and promised to work with county authorities to rehabilitate and empower young people in order to transform them into productive citizens.
Community leaders as well as the county authorities signaled a unified front for peace and progress in Gogrial East by reaffirming their commitment to cooperate with the State Government in implementing the State of Emergency and disarmament.
Warrap has long been troubled by cycles of inter-communal conflict, often fueled by cattle raiding and revenge killings. Authorities hope that the ongoing disarmament and unity messages from leaders will break this cycle and pave the way for lasting peace and stability in the state.