By James Innocent
The commissioner of Yei River County, Samuel Henry Malimbo, has called for cooperation among the leaders in the county.
The commissioner made the call on Monday during a meeting with Payam administrators, paramount chiefs, executive chiefs, local leaders, and county officials.
The meeting discussed coordination, security, and development challenges affecting communities across the county.
The one-day meeting brought together representatives from five payams alongside officials from several government departments, including forestry and public order institutions.
During the discussions, county authorities expressed concern over the increasing cases of illegal and random logging of trees in some parts of Yei River County. Officials called for stronger cooperation between local leaders and government institutions to curb the practice and protect the environment.
The meeting also reviewed preparations for activities scheduled for May 16, including an anticipated visit by the governor to Yei River County.
Addressing participants, Commissioner Malimbo stressed the importance of effective communication and coordination among local leaders, noting that cooperation remains essential in resolving community concerns and improving service delivery across the county.
He encouraged chiefs and local administrators to maintain close contact with county authorities to ensure quick communication during emergencies and other urgent situations.
The commissioner further commended local chiefs for attending the meeting and acknowledged their continued role in promoting peace, local administration, and community engagement.
Officials revealed that preparations are underway for a forthcoming conference expected to bring together stakeholders from across Yei River County to discuss issues affecting local communities.
Speaking during the meeting, Paramount Chief Joseph Brown said local leaders have been working to address border-related disputes involving communities from Yei and neighboring Lainya County. He added that efforts are ongoing to restore peace in the affected areas.
Chief Brown also identified emerging gang groups as one of the current security concerns facing Yei.
He further noted that some cattle herders had occupied certain areas for grazing without consulting residents, an issue he said requires urgent attention from both community leaders and government authorities.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director of Yei River County, Hillary John Konga, disclosed that several gang members arrested last year had been prosecuted, with fines collected from the cases used to support food supplies for inmates at Yei prison.
Konga observed that some national-level challenges, including food provision for prison services, should not remain solely the responsibility of local authorities.
He also urged politicians to refrain from escalating border disputes between Yei and neighbouring countries, saying local leaders should instead prioritise dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution.
Commissioner Malimbo further called on local leaders to make use of existing laws and legal mechanisms to address threats related to land ownership and land grabbing in Yei.
He specifically warned the leadership of Yei Town Payam to take seriously the ongoing land disputes in Mahad, where some groups are reportedly claiming ownership of land in the area.
During the meeting, Alex Sebit, the Boma Executive Chief of Pokula, was commended by the commissioner for his efforts in combating illegal logging activities in the area.
Malimbo encouraged local leaders to support genuine investors capable of bringing development opportunities to communities.
The discussions focused on strengthening peace, development, security, health services, and economic stability and resolving internal border disputes. More than 30 participants from different payams attended the meeting.
In a related development, Commissioner Malimbo called on local leaders to support the recruitment of young people into the police service and local government institutions, saying greater youth involvement could help address some of the county’s social and security challenges.
He also assured participants that several key concerns raised during the meeting would be forwarded to the state leadership for further attention and action.