New governor of Sudan’s Jonglei pledges to disarm the state
By Mayen Daniel Mangok
December 24, 2007 (BOR) – Jonglei State officials, civil society organisations and population today have welcomed today the newly appointed Governor, Kuol Manyang Juuk, who pledged to restore security.
The new governor today received a warm welcome from the government officials, church leaders, local associations and school children. Further he was also welcomed by a delegation form southern Sudan government led by Michael Makuei Lueth, minister of Legal affairs and constitutional development.
A lot of banners were written by all associations saying “we desperately need you at this particular moment”; “we need peace, harmony, good governance and development.”
The governor, who is also a son of Bor, pledged in his speech to disarm all the state.
“By the beginning of coming year, all the civilians will be disarmed, but disarming will start with our brothers who are posing insecurity;” he said. Adding that others counties will fellow immediately because “They misuse guns for killing themselves.”
Governor Juuk disclosed that he had talked with Murles leader, Sultan Ismael Kony, who accepted disarmament of Murles.
Manayang Juuk further said that Sudan’s First Vie-President and southern Sudan leader wanted a peaceful disarmament conducted by the allied Murles leadership. Nonetheless, he warned that if Kony fails then forceful disarmament will follow.
“We have troops now and more is needed to come here to collect guns in Bor and other counties,” he said.
The new governor said he would tour all the counties of Jonglei to explain the need for peace and stability. “There is no development due to insecurity.” Juuk stressed.
Also, he promised to make Jonglei capital, Bor, more beautiful then ever before, “Those roads to counties will be upgraded for business to run smoothly.”
The Kuol Manyang Juk was the federal minister of roads and transport.
Kuol Manyang Juk, was sworn in as a Governor of Jonglei State before the First Vice-President of the Republic and President of the Government of Southern Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, on December 17, 2007.
His appointment comes as tangible sanction for the failure of the former governor, Philip Thon Leek to curb cattle raiders and children abduction in the region.
(ST)