By Alan Clement
Central Equatoria State Governor, Rabi Mujung Emmanuel, has called on opposition armed groups operating in Greater Yei to cease violence.
The governor called on the holdout groups to pursue grassroots peace initiatives.
According to the governor’s press unit, he made the appeal while speaking during a church service at St. Stephen Parish in Kator on Sunday.
The Governor said insecurity caused by armed groups continues to destabilize communities in Yei River County and surrounding areas, undermining efforts to rebuild social trust.
“We are facing security issues in Greater Yei due to opposition armed groups. It is time to lay down arms and seek grassroots solutions rather than violence,” the Governor said in a statement, urging fighters to choose reconciliation over conflict.
The Governor’s remarks come amid growing concerns over civilian safety, displacement, and disruption of local governance in parts of Yei River County. His appeal aligns with ongoing efforts by the state government to stabilize the region and promote reconciliation.
He stressed that peace in the state cannot be achieved by government efforts alone but requires the collective role of citizens, faith leaders, and local communities. “As Christians, we believe in Jesus Christ as Prince of Peace. But should we wait until He comes to enjoy peace? Me alone, I cannot achieve peace in CES but our collective efforts can,” Mujung told the congregation.
The Governor likened the role of the government, church, and citizens to the three cooking stones, saying, “Without one of them, peace cannot be achieved.” The Governor urged churches to actively support local peace initiatives and called on parents to instill discipline in their children to prevent gang involvement and social decay.
“The Bible tells children to respect their father and mother. Parents should teach their children to be responsible citizens,” Mujung added, referencing rising cases of gang activity, suicide, and land grabbing in Juba, warning that the law would be strictly enforced against land grabbers.
Accompanied by Lupai Satimon, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Jacob Aligo Lo-Lado, Minister of Peace Building, and Emmanuel Tete Ezbon, Commissioner of Juba County, the Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enforcing land laws and supporting reconciliation programs.
This outreach to faith communities is part of a broader campaign to mobilize moral and civic leadership in addressing the root causes of insecurity and fostering a culture of forgiveness and coexistence across Central Equatoria State