Arop Jonchol
Governor of Warrap State Gen. Magok Magok has called on all citizens to remain committed to supporting peace efforts, affirming that the long liberation struggle under the Sudan People’s Liberation Army, Movement (SPLA/ M) eventually led to the country’s independence.
The governor arrived in Tonj Town following a tour that covered various areas of Warrap State aimed at promoting peace and security. During his meetings with citizens, he emphasized that continuous commitment to harmony is essential to achieving lasting peace in Warrap.
Governor Magok described communal conflicts—particularly violence against women—as unacceptable. As a first step in enhancing peace monitoring efforts, he issued several directives, including:
- Immediate cessation of hostilities between the Akook, Luacjang, Jalwau, and Thiik communities.
- Traditional chiefs must hand over individuals accused of murder, theft, and cattle raiding to the authorities to ensure justice is served.
- All stolen cattle and property must be returned to their rightful owners.
- Individuals inciting violence must be identified and apprehended.
- Community leaders are required to register firearms in Tonj East and submit a final report to the Governor’s Office.
- War songs and inciteful poems are to be banned immediately.
- The sale of bullets and firearms to civilians is strictly prohibited and will incur severe penalties.
- Freedom of movement along major roads must be guaranteed to allow the smooth flow of goods, services, and people.
Governor Magok reiterated his commitment to engage the national government to deploy security forces to hotspot areas and to accelerate the establishment of special courts to handle various cases.
Acting Commissioner of Tonj East County, Hon. Ngor Dual Mangong, highlighted the absence of proper infrastructure—such as roads, network coverage, and healthcare facilities—in many Payams as key challenges hindering security and peace efforts.
Accompanying SPLM leaders and members of the governor’s delegation stressed that peace is the foundation of development, and that local and state progress is dependent on ensuring security and stability.
Traditional chiefs, women, and youth from the affected communities expressed their readiness to abide by the governor’s orders and to commit to peaceful conflict resolution.
Governor Magok also urged the Akook, Thiik, Jalwau, and Luacjang communities to take advantage of the current relative calm to engage in agriculture, eradicate hunger in their homes, and contribute to food security in Warrap State.
Governor Magok was accompanied by his Peace and Security Advisor, State Ministers, Members of the State Legislative Assembly, members of independent commissions, and senior officials from the security sector.
