(TONJ SOUTH) – The newly appointed Governor of Warrap State, Bol Wek Agoth, has pledged to enforce a strict policy against incitement to violence as the state officially begins implementing emergency measures aimed at restoring peace and order in the region.
The declaration was made on Saturday during the governor’s visit to Tonj South County, where he addressed local leaders and communities amid a backdrop of recent deadly intercommunal violence. The enforcement of the emergency law follows the decree by President Salva Kiir on 5 June 2025, placing Warrap and Mayom County in Unity State under a State of Emergency. The presidential order came in response to escalating violence that has reportedly claimed at least 200 lives and displaced thousands since December 2024, according to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Governor Agoth, who assumed office on the same day the emergency law was declared, told community leaders in Tonj South that the directive would be implemented without compromise. His visit marked the formal start of enforcement after initial delays due to the pending arrival of the new state leadership.
In a meeting attended by chiefs, women and youth leaders, the governor issued a clear warning.
“I will observe zero tolerance towards incitement to violence and complacency in implementation of the State of Emergency.”
The emergency law empowers the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) to conduct disarmament exercises and enforce security in troubled areas. However, the full deployment had been temporarily halted awaiting gubernatorial presence and leadership coordination.
Governor Agoth’s public warning comes as Warrap State continues to experience revenge killings, cattle theft, and widespread lawlessness, especially in Tonj East and Tonj South Counties. These areas have been at the centre of the recent resurgence in violence.
He was accompanied by a delegation comprising his deputy, state advisors, ministers, members of both the national and state parliaments, legal officials, former governors, traditional authorities, and community representatives.
The government has not disclosed any financial allocations tied to the emergency operations. However, the governor’s position signals a new push to reduce insecurity through a coordinated civil-military response and strong community engagement.
Although the State of Emergency allows for exceptional legal measures, there has been no indication of suspension of civil rights beyond the need for disarmament and law enforcement support.
The appointment of Governor Agoth is seen by some observers as a fresh opportunity to address long standing instability in the state. His success will likely depend on whether these emergency interventions bring lasting security to local communities and reduce tensions in the short to medium term.
