Leaders in Kajo-Keji County in Central Equatoria State have urged residents displaced by years of conflict to return home, citing improved security conditions as Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony toured the area on Friday.
The appeal came during a reception for Governor Adil, who is on a working visit across the county to assess local challenges and engage communities as part of wider efforts to strengthen service delivery.
Agrey Tisa Sabuni, chairperson of the Kajo-Keji Community Organization and an adviser at the South Sudan Revenue Authority, said the governor’s visit provides an opportunity for officials to interact directly with residents and assess conditions on the ground.
“I’m part of the delegation that has come to Kajo-Keji with the state governor. His Excellency Emmanuel Adil Anthony is on a working visit to the county, where he will inspect different areas, interact with the people and understand the challenges they face on the ground,” Sabuni said.
He urged residents to take part in rebuilding efforts. “So please, come and participate in the rehabilitation and the development of Kajo-Keji,” he said.
Betty Ponnie Christopher, a member of the Central Equatoria State Legislative Assembly and deputy chairperson of the committee for gender and social welfare, said she was encouraged by the security situation in the area, which she said contrasted with perceptions in the capital, Juba.
“I’m very happy to be here for the reception of the governor in Kajo-Keji County. I’m very happy with the population that I’m really safe in Kajo-Keji,” she said.
She attributed the relative calm to cooperation between local leaders, church groups and security officials.
“I’m really happy because of the church, Kajo-Keji leaders, more especially the commander and the commissioner, with his leadership that has brought resilient peace in Kajo-Keji,” she said.
Christopher urged displaced residents still outside the county to return. “Let them come and enjoy the peace of Kajo-Keji,” she said.
Governor Adil’s visit is expected to include inspections of various locations across the county and meetings with local communities as part of efforts to assess development needs and strengthen service delivery.
Nelson Lemeri Samuel, spokesperson for the SPLM in Central Equatoria State, said the governor’s tour of Kajo-Keji is part of a wider programme covering all counties in the state.
“We have come to Kajo-Keji County. We are here to receive Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony, who will very soon arrive as part of his tour to all the counties,” he said.
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