By Kei Emmanuel Duku
A delegation from the Lasu Payam of Yei River County met with Central Equatoria State Governor, Lt. Gen. Rabi Mujung Emmanuel, on Monday to present a list of urgent concerns affecting the Lasu and Tokiri Bomas.
The community’s leaders, elders, and representatives called for the restoration of peace and security as a critical step toward rebuilding their home.
The delegation, led by Khamis James Yata, included a broad cross-section of the community, including State and National Members of Parliament, elders, women’s representatives, youth, and intellectuals.
During the meeting, Rev. Peter Mawa presented a petition on behalf of the community.
“We are appealing to the Governor to ensure our representation in government structures and to help us rebuild our devastated infrastructure,” Mawa stated.
The petition also called for the rehabilitation of health facilities, the completion of the Oyisa Bridge linking Lasu Payam to Yei Town, and the repair of other feeder roads.
In a plea to revive the local economy, the community also requested the revival of public and private coffee farms.
Community leaders also raised the issue of soldiers occupying civilian buildings, including the Payam headquarters, since 2016, and demanded their immediate evacuation from community and individual infrastructures.
Governor Mujung expressed his appreciation for the delegation’s visit and acknowledged their concerns.
“For development to take root in Lasu, security, peace, and unity are essential,” he said.
“Peace will only prevail when we work together as sons and daughters of Central Equatoria.” He added
The governor pledged to work with relevant ministries and community leaders to address their issues and underscored that his administration is committed to restoring stability and peace throughout the state.
Meanwhile, Elder Michael Amule emphasized that peace is the community’s top priority. “People are yearning for peace. Some still sleep in the bushes out of fear,” Amule said. “Restoring peace will be your greatest legacy as Governor.”
Hon Dusman Joyce, a Member of the National Legislative Assembly, highlighted the recent clashes between the SSPDF and joint SPLA-IO and NAS forces, which have displaced residents and worsened the humanitarian situation.
Hon. Peter Lomude, another member of the national parliament, echoed the calls for political dialogue to resolve the security challenges in Lasu and beyond.
Ms. Blantine Loice, a women’s representative, brought the needs of women in the community to the attention of the visiting delegation and the Governor. She urged stricter enforcement of laws against gender-based violence and requested an ambulance to address the urgent need for maternal health services in the area.
The area of Lasu is one of the payams in Yei River County in Central Equatoria State.
Since the war broke out in 2016, the area has experienced significant insecurity and conflict, leading to widespread displacement of its residents. The presence of armed groups and clashes between forces have worsened the humanitarian situation, causing residents to flee their homes and seek refuge in the bushes.
The community’s delegation to the Governor represents a unified effort to address these issues and advocate for the needs of their people. Their appeal highlights not only the humanitarian and security crises but also the need for economic recovery through initiatives like the revival of coffee demonstration farms.
This effort to rebuild requires the restoration of peace and the evacuation of soldiers from civilian infrastructure, which has been occupied