(JUBA) – Governor of Jonglei State, Dr Riek Gai Kok, has reported a notable improvement in security across the region, with incidents of cattle raiding, child abduction and other persistent local conflicts showing signs of decline.
The update was shared in a statement issued by the Office of the President following a meeting between President Salva Kiir Mayardit and Governor Kok. The governor attributed the progress to enhanced collaboration between the state government, local authorities, and communities in the Greater Jonglei region.
The president welcomed the report but emphasised the need for sustained efforts to maintain and build on the current peace. He instructed Governor Kok to continue working closely with traditional leaders, county commissioners, and other community stakeholders to ensure security and promote unity among all ethnic groups in the state.
“Peace is not a one time achievement. It requires ongoing dialogue and genuine collaboration at every level of society,” President Kiir reportedly told the governor during their discussions.
Governor Kok’s briefing came shortly after his formal swearing-in at the State House in Juba. During the ceremony, President Kiir tasked him with leading security and development efforts in Jonglei, one of the states most affected by years of armed conflict and communal violence.
Jonglei State has been among South Sudan’s most volatile areas since civil conflict erupted in December 2013. While major fighting between government forces and opposition groups has largely subsided since the formation of the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity in 2020, the region continues to struggle with intercommunal disputes and environmental challenges.
Over the past four years, large parts of Jonglei have experienced severe flooding, leading to widespread displacement, food insecurity, and disruption of local economies. The floods have intensified competition over diminishing grazing lands and fishing grounds, contributing to tensions between neighbouring communities.
Although the current security situation is said to be improving, unresolved grievances remain. Cattle raiding and the abduction of children, often linked to longstanding cycles of retaliation, have been sources of violence and instability in the region for decades.
The government, together with development partners and religious leaders, has been engaging in peace dialogues and reconciliation forums. However, analysts caution that without adequate support for livelihoods, infrastructure, and services, progress on peace may be difficult to sustain.
Governor Kok assured the president that his administration is committed to maintaining calm and advancing reconciliation efforts. He added that plans are underway to engage youth leaders and women’s groups in peacebuilding processes, while coordinating with humanitarian partners to address urgent needs in the most affected areas.
Jonglei’s stability is widely viewed as crucial to the overall peace process in South Sudan, given its central geographic location and the diversity of communities living there. It shares borders with several other states, including Upper Nile, Unity, and Eastern Equatoria, making security cooperation across regions a vital component of long term peacebuilding.
With the 2024 floods still fresh in the memory of many residents, the government is also under pressure to implement disaster mitigation strategies and improve early warning systems. National and international observers have noted that investing in climate adaptation may help reduce tensions linked to natural resource scarcity.
