Opposition governor of Sobat state urges troops to report to cantonment sites

January 2nd 2018 (Nyamilepedia) – South Sudan’s opposition governor of Sobat state, Maj. Gen. James Banak Riang, has urged opposition troops in the state to report to cantonment sites as soon as possible in line with the security arrangement signed in Khartoum in September.

South Sudan government and opposition groups signed in September a revitalized version of the 2015 peace agreement to end the ongoing civil war which has killed ten of thousands of people and displaced millions.

The governor was speaking during the new year’s eve to military officers as well as civil servant.

Speaking to military officers and civil administrators on the eve of the New Year, the opposition governor acknowledged that the ongoing civil war has negatively affected the county, ruining the economy as well as having negative effect on other aspect of South Sudanese people’s lives but urged the people to be hopeful that the recently signed peace deal will bring permanent settlement to the conflict.

“Life becomes difficult with countless challenges, but with this peace, do not lose faith and hope,”  he told the gathering. 

Governor Banak further said his first priority is to guarantee the provision of basic services to the people of Sobat state praising Machar for his ‘relentless’ effort in seeking peace in the country for the second time following the collapse of the 2015 peace deal in July 2016.

“As Leaders of this country, this Peace gives us an opportunity and courage to make South Sudan a better place for all its citizens, provide Healthcare, Education and to find work, to start businesses and raise families in good lives once again,” he said 

“Your commander-in-chief, His Excellency Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon have signed [the] revitalized peace [deal] with the regime in Juba after the collapse of [the] 2015 peace agreement. His relentless effort in bringing peace to the people of South Sudan speaks volume,” he added.

The opposition governor further appreciated “the men and women in uniforms for their relentless efforts in protecting teh citizens of Sobat state throughout the conflict.”