The newly appointed governor of Warrap State has pledged to tackle the long-standing cycle of violence in the region through legal enforcement and community engagement.
Speaking at his reception ceremony, Governor Bol Wek Agoth emphasized his intent to begin with persuasion and education, rather than force.
“I like justice. My work will align with justice and
enforcement of law is my intent. I will be in Tonj and use powers of persuasion
to begin with. I will use powers of enlightenment,” Governor Bol stated on Friday
in Juba.
“There is no person licensed to shoot another person. The
attitude of revenge attack does not go with modernization. I will be everywhere
in Warrap State to make sure peace prevails. I encourage the youth to choose
peace.”
On Thursday, President Salva Kiir declared a six-month State
of Emergency in Warrap State and Mayom County in Unity State, citing escalating
violence and insecurity.
The declaration aligns with Article 189(1) of the
Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan, which grants security
forces expanded powers, including warrantless searches, curfews, and detentions
without charge.
Warrap State, the home of President Kiir, has long been
plagued by cycles of violence, including revenge attacks, particularly in the
counties of Gogrial, Twic, and Tonj.
On May 17, an attack in Ngapagok, Tonj East County, left
four people dead and 16 injured.
Later, clashes between the Luacjang and Jalwau communities
in Guit village on May 28–29 resulted in 62 deaths, including 20 women, and 36
injuries.
These clashes are believed to have often been fueled by
politicians who arm their supporters under the pretext of protecting livestock
from cattle raiders.
Cross-border cattle raids with Mayom County of Unity State
have further escalated tensions in the regions.
According to a January 2025 UNMISS report, Warrap State was
the deadliest hotspot for communal violence in South Sudan, accounting for 60%
of all civilian deaths in 2024.