Central Equatoria State Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony, on Monday, called for the restoration of peace and stability to create a conducive environment for refugees living in neighboring countries to return home.
Speaking during a meeting with the Vatican Ambassador to South Sudan, Archbishop Seamus Patrick Horgan, at the state secretariat in Juba, Adil said many citizens fled to neighboring countries due to the crisis and insecurity in the state.
“Our people moved to neighboring countries because of the crisis and lack of security,” he said. “Restoring peace and stability remains our top priority so that they can return home safely.”
The governor explained that discussions with the Archbishop focused on ways to restore peace, with particular emphasis on the situation in Kajokeji County and the frequent movement of citizens to and from neighboring Uganda.
“We discussed how peace can be restored, especially in areas like Kajokeji, and the need to ensure safe movement and confidence for our people who are currently in Uganda,” he added.
Adil also urged humanitarian actors operating in Central Equatoria State to support returnees with livelihood assistance to help them rebuild their lives.
“Humanitarian partners should go beyond emergency aid and provide livelihood support so that returnees can restart their lives with dignity,” Governor Adil appealed.
Meanwhile, Vatican Ambassador Archbishop Seamus Patrick Horgan emphasized the need to address insecurity and create favorable conditions for the safe return of displaced citizens.
“Addressing insecurity is key to creating conditions that will encourage the people of Central Equatoria State to return and live in peace,” he stated.
The meeting highlighted the shared commitment between the state government and international partners to promote peace, stability, and recovery in Central Equatoria State.