By Matik Kueth
South Sudan’s President, Salva Kiir, has sworn in the newly appointed governor of Upper Nile State, Gen. James Koang Chuol, and directed him to cease violence and restore peace in the area.
Kiir issued this directive during the swearing-in ceremony at the state house on Thursday, urging citizens to reject cycles of vengeance in favor of unity and reconciliation for the nation’s common interest.
Government officials and military leaders expressed confidence in Gen. Koang’s ability to tackle the complex challenges facing Upper Nile State, particularly in his hometown of Nasir, which has been a hotspot of conflict between the SSPDF and the White Army.
Gen. Koang committed to prioritizing dialogue within the community to discourage violence and promote peaceful coexistence among diverse local populations.
President Kiir issued a decree on Wednesday replacing Upper Nile State Governor Gen. James Odhok Oyai, appointed in January 2023, with Gen. Koang, a member of Kiir’s own SPLM party.
However, the appointment sparked uncertainties regarding the implementation of the 2018 peace accord, with the SPLM-IO labeling it a violation of the agreement.
According to R-ARCSS, the governor of Upper Nile was meant to be chosen from the SPLM-IO, led by the First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar.
The two leaders’ peace pact has been delayed multiple times, with periodic violence.
In recent weeks, there has been an increase in military activity in Upper Nile, with the SSPDF, backed by Ugandan troops, executing airstrikes to recover Nasir from the White Army.
On March 4, the White Army overran the SSPDF’s Wech-Yar-Adiu military barracks after fierce clashes.
The continued violence forced thousands of civilians to flee, exacerbating the humanitarian catastrophe in a region already plagued by food shortages and limited access to critical services.