Jonglei governor visits Twic East, urges people to cultivate land

June 1, 2014 (BOR) – Jonglei’s state caretaker governor, John Kong Nyuon, paid a surprised visit to Twic East county on Sunday, urging citizens to embark on cultivation.

Kong, according to the country commissioner, told the locals not to worry about rebel attacks, saying both warring parties had pledged commitment to a ceasefire, as part of the peace agreement signed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 9 May.

“His visit surprised many people. He [governor] came and addressed people in Panyagoor. He encouraged people to cultivate so that they are not dependent on food donated by agencies for long periods of time”, Dau Akoi said by phone from Twic East.

It was Kong’s first trip to the county since he was appointed governor, early this year.

He also visited the ongoing dyke renovation and construction in Twic East. The dyke is being built to control floods usually resulting from the River Nile waters.

Twic East, a region with a large population is one of the counties in the state that has embarked on substantial farming after the crisis. Areas like Bor and Duk counties are yet to start farming activities.

Jonglei is one of the three states affected by the violence that hit the country late last year. An estimated over a million people have been displaced by the six-months old conflict, with thousands killed.

(ST)