By Kei Emmanuel Duku
The Governor of Central Equatoria State, Emmanuel Adil Anthony has issued a high-level directive for a unified security offensive to reclaim stability in Morobo County, following years of conflicts that have displaced civilians and disrupted livelihoods.
The order came during a security briefing held over the week in Juba between the two principles, where Morobo County Security Coordinator, Isaac Moro, detailed the current security status of the county. While describing the situation as relatively peaceful, Moro admitted that pockets of insecurity persist, fueled by armed opposition elements operating within the bushes of Morobo.
“Our local security apparatus is not resting,” Coordinator Moro told the Governor during the briefing. “We are tightening every bolt in our security measures to ensure that the peace and stability our people crave is fully restored. We are on the ground, and we are vigilant.”
In a firm response to the persistent threats, Governor Adil directed the Coordinator to move beyond isolated military action and embrace a collaborative push. He ordered a harmonized effort involving the County Commissioner, local communities, and all security organs on the ground to stabilize the area.
“Peace cannot be built in a vacuum,” Governor Adil emphasized. “The leadership should engage directly with the people and must work as one unit administration, security, and community to end these repeated attacks. I call upon our civilians to remain calm; your government is working tirelessly to bring safety back to your doorsteps.”
Central to the Governor’s new security roadmap is the urgent need to mend the rift between the population and the armed forces. He stressed that restoring trust and confidence through strengthened civil-military relations is the only way to ensure intelligence sharing and long-term harmony.
The Governor also turned his attention to the influence of those abroad, issuing a stern warning against the spread of misinformation. He made a strong call to the South Sudanese diaspora to cease the dissemination of negative propaganda, which he identified as a major barrier preventing refugees in neighboring countries from returning home to Morobo.
Morobo County, a strategic gateway bordering both the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, has long been a flashpoint for conflict. In recent months, the area has experienced hit-and-run attacks by armed groups, which have hindered agricultural activities and forced thousands into refugee camps across the border.
Governor Emmanuel Adil’s latest directive marks a shift from purely tactical military responses to a more holistic community-first security approach.