The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) has expressed concern that Lakes State Governor Madhang Majok’s prolonged absence in the state Capital could undermine the stability achieved in the state.
Governor Madhang Majok Meen was appointed as the new Governor of Lakes State, replacing Gen. Rin Tueny Mabor, who had implemented an iron-fist policy against inter-communal violence, transforming Lakes State into a relatively peaceful region.
CEPO is urging the state governor to come to Lakes State capital immediately in order to address the leadership vacuum, his presence in the state will address looming conflict in four Counties of Cueibet, Rumbek Centre, Rumbek North and Rumbek East respectively. We emphasize that governor Majok engage Lakes State communities in their Counties for peaceful resolutions of grievances.
The ongoing fighting between youth of Cueibet County and Youth of Rup in Rumbek Centre County and a morning fight between Panyaar sections and Aliap section of Rumbek East County are indicators that communities are sliding back into widespread conflict in the state. We are very sad to see that different communities in Lakes State are now witnessing fighting cause by revenge or cattle raiding which are all outlaw by customary law 2022.
We call for community and government quick response as we stand in solidarity with those who lost their loves one, we demand for accountability on perpetrators of this separate conflict. The review of customary law should not be use as a tool to keep governor in Juba, this review can be done any time in the state headquarters (Lakes). The state government should not only prioritize security and stability over physical infrastructures and economic development in Lakes State.
Daniel Laat Kon CEPO, State Coordinator Rumnbek, Lakes State
