Lakes state governor appoints new Yirol West commissioner

January 5, 2015 (RUMBEK) – The caretaker governor of South Sudan’s Lakes state, Maj. Gen Matur Chut Dhuol has appointed George Kuac Dhieu as the new Yirol West county commissioner.

Dhieu replaces Col. Majak Ruei Angong who was sacked last week.

The commissioner’s appointment was met with mixed reactions from the Rorkech community, saying it undermined their contribution in the country’s liberation struggle.

Youth from the community, in a protest letter, claimed nobody from among them has ever been appointed commissioner for Yirol West, thus undermining their society roles.

On December 31, 2014, the caretaker governor sacked his entire cabinet and some commissioners, but gave no reason for the impromptu decision.

Lakes state has been blighted by cattle raiding since South Sudan gained independence from the north in July 2011, and continues to be locked in a cycle of inter-clan clashes and revenge killings.

Youth activists and traditional authorities have repeatedly called for the governor’s removal, amid claims he has failed to stem violence.

(ST)