By Yiep Joseph
President Salva Kiir Mayardit has reiterated his call on citizens to join efforts toward peace and stability in the country.
Kiir’s call followed a series of reports of armed confrontations between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces and the armed groups in some parts of the country.
According to the statement obtained from the Presidential Press Unit (PPU), the head of state made the call during swearing in of top officials in Juba.
“President Salva Kiir Mayardit has urged the citizens to work towards achieving peace in the nation,” the statement partly read.
Kiir urged the officials to ensure strict adherence to the rule of law and institutional reforms.
According to a PPU statement, the head of state directed the Minister of Interior to reorganize the police force in order to effectively enforce the rule of law.
Kiir added that effective law enforcement reduces cases of crime in the country as well as allowing the citizens to carry out their activities normally.
In a separate call, the Head of State further directed the Minister of Labour to ensure that the labor rights of citizens are protected.
According to the statement, Kiir charged the governor of Lakes State with ensuring that the current levels of security and stability are sustained.
He added that as the country enters the election, peace at the state level remains paramount to the cohesion and development of the nation.
The officials that took oath at the presidential palace include Aleu Ayieny Aleu, Minister of Interior; Ezekial Lol Gatkuoth, Minister of Public Service and Human Resources Development; Anthony Lino Makana, Minister of Labour; and Sarah Nyanath Elijiah Yong, Minister of Culture, Museums, and National Heritage.