Jonglei State caretaker governor Moses Majok Gatluak has appointed six caretaker county commissioners, a day after naming new administrators for Twic East and Duk counties, as the state grapples with continuing intercommunal violence.
The appointments were made in Gubernatorial Decree No. 02 of 2026, signed on Oct. 2.
Mai Meat Thoan was appointed commissioner of Akobo County, Gatluak Gai Teny of Ayod, Daniel Deng Panchol of Bor, Manyang Gatluak Bany of Fangak, Nhial Deng Puuch of Pigi and Biel Lam Pech of Uror.
Chol Deng Gatluak was appointed caretaker commissioner of Duk County, replacing John Chatim Ruei, who was affected by the recent dissolution of South Sudan’s transitional government.
James Magok Mabiei was appointed caretaker commissioner of Twic East County on Oct. 4.
Nyirol County has yet to get a caretaker commissioner.
The appointments come amid continuing violence between communities in Twic East and Duk. More than a dozen people were reportedly killed last week when armed youth from Twic East attacked Apiir Palaidhiim village in Duk County.
Bol Deng Bol, chairperson of the Jonglei Civil Society Network, said the new commissioners should prioritise security, reconciliation and rebuilding trust among communities.
“These appointments come at a very critical time for Jonglei State. People are looking for leadership that can address insecurity and bring communities together,” Bol said.
He said the commissioners should work closely with traditional leaders, civil society groups and local communities to prevent further violence.
“The immediate priority should be peace and protection of civilians. Commissioners must engage the youth and community leaders before conflicts escalate into violence,” he said.
Bol said the appointments should also be accompanied by concrete action to improve security and service delivery.
“Changing commissioners alone will not solve the problems. The new officials need the resources, political support and cooperation of communities to deliver meaningful results,” he said.
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