By James Innocent
Stakeholders from Greater Yei have called for stronger security measures to address growing cases of abduction and insecurity affecting humanitarian workers and civilians across the region.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting in Yei, Bishop Emeritus Hillary Adeba said the protection of civilians had failed to adequately guarantee the safety of communities, with many residents unable to move or sleep peacefully because of insecurity.
Bishop Adeba said armed groups were increasingly targeting civilians and humanitarian workers through abductions instead of addressing the broader challenges facing communities.
He called on security organs to strengthen the protection of civilians, monitor the movements of suspected kidnappers, and develop lasting measures to prevent further attacks.
The meeting brought together the commissioners of Yei River, Lainya, and Morobo Counties; security officials; humanitarian and development partners; members of parliament; traditional chiefs; women and youth representatives, religious leaders, civil society organisations; and other community structures.
CBM Country Director Francis Okello welcomed the gathering, saying communities and humanitarian organisations had experienced the impact of abductions in recent months.
Okello said lasting peace in Greater Yei requires collective action and open communication among all sections of society.
He urged participants to discuss the challenges freely and without intimidation while working toward practical solutions.
He added that CBM continues to support efforts aimed at improving the lives of young people through community empowerment, noting that the future of the communities depends largely on the younger generation.
The Executive Director of Across, Dr. Elisama Wani Michael, commended Yei River County Commissioner Samuel Henry Malimbo for initiating the stakeholders’ meeting.
Dr. Wani said Across had a long history of working with communities and stakeholders in Yei and continues to support people with disabilities, farmers, and communities in need of water and other humanitarian services.
He described the recent cases of kidnapping and insecurity as unfamiliar to communities in Greater Yei and warned that continued insecurity could undermine humanitarian operations and discourage donors from maintaining their support in the area.
The Commissioner of Morobo County expressed concern over the abduction of humanitarian workers and civilians, describing the incidents as harmful to communities.
He urged community leaders and residents to report suspicious activities and security incidents to the relevant authorities so that perpetrators can be investigated and brought to justice.
Lainya County Commissioner Huda Laila Michael called for collective efforts to address insecurity, saying communities across Greater Yei are increasingly vulnerable.
She appealed for lasting peace, employment opportunities for young people, and dialogue with armed groups to encourage them to abandon violence and return to peaceful civilian life.
Yei River County Commissioner Samuel Henry Malimbo said protecting the population is a collective responsibility that requires cooperation between communities, government, security institutions, and humanitarian partners.
Commissioner Malimbo commended Across and CBM for facilitating the meeting and urged residents not to ignore security threats in their communities.
According to humanitarian partners, more than 20 cases of abduction have been recorded across Greater Yei, affecting the movement and operations of humanitarian workers.
The stakeholders’ meeting seeks to strengthen coordination among local authorities, security organs, communities, and humanitarian partners and identify practical measures to improve civilian protection and create a safer environment for humanitarian operations across Greater Yei.