Jonglei governor blames tribal conflicts for stilted development

March 5, 2012 (BOR) – The government of Jonglei state blames the cattle rustling and child abduction crisis for the slowing in state development.

While addressing the state, ministers, MPs, government officials and the general public at the state assembly during an oath-swearing ceremony that marked the end of elected parliament and the beginning of the transitional assembly, governor Kuol Manyang Juuk, said the state’s achievements were being overshadowed by numerous crises brought about by cattle rustling and child abduction.

Raids, predominantly between members of the Murle, Nuer and Dinka Bor ethnic groups, has led to the death of hundreds of the state’s citizens since June 2011.

Manyang described success in the state as a “drop in the ocean” in comparison to the challenges remaining.

On 26 February, the state transitional constitution was signed into law by the state governor who took an oath of his office before the president of the high court, witnessed by South Sudan president, Salva Kiir.

Addressing the assembly on Monday, Manyang promised that the next phase of his government will be governed by the state transitional constitution.
He also promised that they will “focus on how best to support disarmament and peace building among the communities”.

(ST)