Lasu payam community urges army to vacate payam offices
By Anak Dut
The Lasu Payam community of Yei River County are calling on the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces to vacate the civilian facilities they have been occupying, including the Payam headquarters, since the outbreak of conflict in 2016.
They appealed to Central Equatoria State Governor Rabi Mujung Emmanuel to restore peace, improve security and revive development projects in the conflict-affected area.
The issue was raised during a community meeting with the governor, alongside area members of parliament, elders, women leaders, youth and intellectuals from Lasu and Tokiri Boma in Juba on Sunday.
Presenting a petition on behalf of the community, Rev. Peter Mawa outlined the pressing challenges faced by residents that include the lack of political representation in government, neglected health facilities across the four bomas as one of the major challenges facing the community
Incomplete infrastructure projects like the Oyisa Bridge that connects Lasu to Yei Town and poor feeder roads were among the issues raised.
The community also urged for the improvement of public and private coffee demonstration farms, once a hallmark of the area’s agricultural potential, to boost livelihoods.
On his part, Governor Mujung hailed the community for bringing forward a unified community voice as he acknowledged the concerns.
He promised to work closely with relevant ministries and community leaders to address them.
“For development to take root in Lasu, security, peace and unity are essential,” Governor Mujung said.
“Peace will only prevail when we work together as sons and daughters of Central Equatoria.”
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting grassroots peace efforts and appealed to armed groups in the region to lay down their weapons and embrace dialogue.
Michael Amule, one of the elders, noted that many residents were still living in fear. “People are yearning for peace. Some still sleep in the bushes out of fear. Restoring peace will be your greatest legacy as Governor,” he told Governor Mujung.
Dusman Joyce, Member of the National Legislative Assembly, said the fight between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and joint SPLA-IO and NAS forces in Lasu and Libogo, which displaced residents, has worsened an already fragile humanitarian situation.
Meanwhile, Peter Lomude reiterated calls for political dialogue, stressing that only inclusive negotiations would resolve the security crisis.
On her side, Ms. Blantine Loice, a women’s representative, appealed for stronger measures against gender-based violence and requested an ambulance to be offered to respond to rising maternal health needs in the Payam.
Last year, Yei River County Commissioner Emmanuel Taban Seme instructed the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) to vacate the Lasu Payam offices they were occupying, and allow the Payam administrator to resume work.
He said the SSPDF forces should relocate from occupying the office of the Payam administration so that the head Chief of Lasu and the Payam Director can start working in their office.
