The former governor of Lakes State, Rin Tueny Mabor, on Monday handed over government offices, vehicles and other state assets to his successor, Madhang Majok Meen, rejecting allegations that he formed a militia during his four-year tenure.
Speaking at a ceremony in the state capital, Rumbek, Rin said the forces operating under his administration were drawn from the national army and other organized services and were deployed to support security operations across the country.
“I will never command a militia in my life,” Rin said. “The forces from Lakes State have been participating in national operations. They are not militias.”
He said that during his time in office, about 1,700 soldiers were organized for patrol duties in the state and later deployed to various parts of the country, including Upper Nile and other conflict-affected areas. He added that some of the forces were transferred without receiving salaries or incentives from the state government.
Rin also said his administration recruited about 1,200 young men, including former detainees, and integrated them into national security structures. He described the move as an effort to reduce crime and improve stability in the state.
Addressing security concerns, Rin said Lakes State continues to face revenge attacks, cattle theft, communal violence and the proliferation of small arms among civilians. He said his government carried out disarmament exercises over the past four years, collecting thousands of firearms, but acknowledged that weapons remain in civilian hands.
He cited additional challenges including delayed salaries for civil servants and security forces, limited health and education services, border disputes and economic hardship. He said irregular funding from the national government has strained state operations.
Madhang, the newly appointed governor, thanked his predecessor and dismissed political divisions, saying he would maintain continuity in the state administration.
“There are many allegations, but it is good that he has clarified them,” Madhang said of Rin. He added that he does not plan to immediately reshuffle the cabinet, citing ongoing security and economic challenges.
He called on officials and community leaders to work together to address insecurity and stabilize the state.
Adhel Malual, chairperson of the Lakes State Civil Society Network, congratulated the new governor and urged inclusive and transparent leadership. She said civil society groups are ready to work with the government to promote security, justice and development.
She also called for attention to tensions linked to local chieftaincy elections and rising insecurity in parts of Rumbek North, Cueibet and Rumbek East, warning that unresolved disputes could destabilize the state.