President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Thursday received a briefing from Jonglei State Governor, Dr. Riek Gai Kok on the state’s security, agricultural output.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting in Juba, Governor Kok described the overall security situation in Jonglei as “relatively calm,” noting a marked reduction in inter-communal violence across the Greater Jonglei region.
He emphasized that peace dialogues between youth from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) and Jonglei communities are underway, aiming to resolve long-standing grievances and strengthen coexistence.
“The youth from both Pibor and Jonglei are meeting to iron out misunderstandings and to lay a foundation for lasting peace,” Kok said.
“This improved security has enabled communities to return to farming. Farmers have embraced agriculture in large numbers this season, and with stability prevailing, we are anticipating a promising harvest.” He added.
President Kiir welcomed the progress, commending the state government’s efforts to foster peace and strengthen the local economy.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting Jonglei in sustaining peace and advancing economic resilience through agriculture.
Jonglei State has long been one of South Sudan’s most conflict-prone regions, often rocked by cycles of communal clashes, cattle raiding, and child abductions involving neighboring communities, particularly with GPAA. These conflicts have historically undermined livelihoods, disrupted agriculture, and displaced thousands.
However, recent state-led peace engagements, combined with community dialogues and national reconciliation initiatives, have contributed to a relative calm in the region.
Agriculture, once abandoned due to insecurity, is beginning to reemerge as a backbone of local survival.
