Governor Magok Magok Arrives in Rual-Bet Payam, Tonj North County for Peace and Security Mission

The governor of Warrap State, H.E. Lt. Gen. Magok Magok Deng, arrived in Rual-Bet Payam of Tonj North County for a peace and security mission aimed at addressing the growing tensions in the area.

Governor Magok expressed his gratitude to the community of Awan Parek for their warm welcome. He called for calm amid escalating tensions and urged the community to stop fighting. The governor emphasized the importance of focusing on agriculture as the primary means to improve economic hardships and combat poverty in the society.

Governor Magok reiterated the eight orders he issued in Madhath Ajak-Kirrk Payam and directed chiefs and security forces deployed in the area to ensure the implementation of these orders. The key orders include:

• All raided and looted properties must be returned to their owners within seven days.
• Chiefs must register all firearms in Rual-Bet Payam and submit a list to the governor within three days.
• Culprits and killers must be identified and arrested within one week.
• Conflict-inciting songs are banned with immediate effect.
• Immediate cessation of hostilities is mandated.
• All armed communal mercenaries must be expelled from areas of conflict with immediate effect.
• Chiefs and youth leaders must take charge of armed youth.
• Preparations for a peace conference will be organized soon.

The Minister of General Education, Hon. Deborah Awut Mayom, who hails from the Awan Parek community, challenged the people to embrace peace and encouraged them to send their children to school instead of allowing them to engage in violence against their own brothers and sisters.

Both chiefs and local youth leaders (Gelweng) expressed their appreciation to Governor Magok for visiting them during this fragile security situation. They outlined the root causes of the conflict in the area, which include:

1. The availability of guns in the hands of civilians
2. Road and night attacks
3. Incitement and rumors
4. Lack of neutrality from authorities when handling conflict cases

Governor Magok was accompanied by the Minister of Information and Communication, Hon. James Ayiek Bath, the Minister of General Education and Instructions, Hon. Deborah Awut Mayom, Local Advisor to the Governor, Hon. Bona Bol Madut, MPs, heads of security organs, and other senior government officials.