Some Warrap paramount
chiefs have urged the new governor, Gen. Akol Koor, to prioritize resolving
intercommunal disputes that threaten the state's stability.
In Warrap
State, the counties of Twic, Apuk, Kuac, Aguok, and Tonj have often had
conflicts linked to politicians who allegedly arm their supporters to protect
livestock from cattle raiders.
Competition
for resources, like grazing lands, exacerbates these tensions.
Early this
month, President Salva Kiir relieved Gen. Akol Koor Kuc from his position as
director-general of the Internal Security Bureau (ISB) within the National
Security Service (NSS).
Gen. Akol,
who has held the security chief post since 2011, will now serve as Warrap
State's new governor, replacing Kuol Muor Muor.
Kuol assumed
office in late 2023, following the departure of Manhiem Bol Malek, who was also
unable to stem ongoing violence and instability in the state.
Akol, who
awaits swearing in, is expected to use his security expertise to address
ongoing intercommunal violence and political unrest as governor.
Speaking at
the reception of the new governor at Juba International Airport, Peter Malok
Wol, one of the paramount chiefs, expressed optimism that peace will prevail in
the state.
“First and
foremost, I would like to thank President Salva Kiir for appointing Akol Koor.
I would like to thank SPLM. His coming will change what is killing us. Some
people use force to grab people’s belongings as theirs,” Malok told Radio
Community in an interview on Wednesday.
“I am hopeful
that his coming will bring peace. We the chiefs will come together and resolve
our differences. We shall work together to avoid more deaths and grabbing.”
Malok
believes that once stability is attained, it will improve the lives of the
local communities.
“Sickness can
kill people simple because of insecurity but when peace comes, a car can travel
easily and carry sick person. Food will be eased to get when there is good
security. I am very hopeful that conflicts will stop,” Malok explained.
“There is
nothing that can’t be changed. Green book can bring stability. People who
commit crimes must be brought to book using the green book.”
Meanwhile,
Arol Bol Arol, another paramount chief, urged the local government to redouble
efforts in carrying out disarmament.
“Cattle
raiding and possession of guns are the major things that cause conflict in the
state. There is need for disarmament,” Bol emphasized.