Admin
The Commissioner of Yei River County, Emmanuel Taban Seme, has called on the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) to vacate the Lasu Payam offices they currently occupy, allowing the Payam official to resume work.
During his visit to Lasu, located on the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Commissioner stated, “The SSPDF forces must relocate from the Payam administration offices so that the Chief of Lasu and the Payam Director can begin working in their offices.”
Commissioner Emmanuel Taban Seme asked the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces to vacate Lasu Payam offices and allow officials to carry out their duties.
The Commissioner’s visit to Lasu Payam included meetings with local community leaders, youth representatives, women, elders, people with disabilities, and church leaders.
The visit aimed to gather direct information from citizens regarding health, education, water access, infrastructure, livelihoods, and security conditions in the area, with particular focus on the state of the damaged bridges connecting traders to Yei Town.
The Commissioner encouraged young girls to prioritize their education and urged young men to respect their female peers, emphasizing that educated communities face fewer hardships.
Seme reassured those who had joined rebel groups that they are welcome to return to their homes, where they can either integrate into the government forces or settle peacefully.
He promised to ensure the rights of all citizens wishing to return without fear, affirming his commitment to achieving peace and development in Yei after years of conflict.
For his part, SSPDF Commander John Lual Ton Awan called on individuals involved in the conflict to abandon violence and surrender to the army, stressing the importance of achieving national peace.
Commander Lual warned his troops against robbing innocent civilians, emphasizing the need for communities to focus on farming to enhance food production.
Youth leader Batali Ole noted that the current conditions in Lasu Payam show no significant security issues affecting road users, which is a positive indicator of peace in the area.
A representative of women in Lasu Payam praised the Commissioner’s visit despite the lack of formal meeting spaces. She highlighted ongoing challenges related to education and early marriage, calling on the government to take strong measures against child marriage, a pressing issue affecting many young girls in Yei.
