Urgent Call for Maban County Commissioner Appointment Amid Political Tensions and Security Concerns
The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) is sounding the alarm over the prolonged absence of a County Commissioner in Maban County, urging H.E. President Salva Kiir to expedite the appointment of a qualified leader. With Maban County sharing a border with Sudan, CEPO warns that the vacuum in leadership could have dangerous implications for both national security and political stability.
In a statement released Monday, Mr. Edmund Yakani, the Executive Director of CEPO, highlighted the political discrimination faced by Maban citizens amid delays in the appointment. “It is unacceptable for the county to remain without a commissioner for an extended period. The friction among elites regarding this appointment must cease, and the President should take swift action to appoint the SPLM-IO nominee for this crucial position,” Yakani asserted.
Maban County, situated in a strategic location, plays a pivotal role in the stability and economic well-being of the region. CEPO emphasized the urgency of having a commissioner in place to navigate the complexities of governance and security in an area often fraught with tension.
In a related matter, CEPO welcomed a recent meeting between President Kiir and the Kenyan President’s special envoy, aimed at discussing the future of the Tumaini initiative. Yakani described this meeting as a “proactive and remarkable early consultation,” underscoring the necessity of shifting political attitudes among both the government and opposition parties for the initiative to succeed.
“The ongoing shifting of goalposts and the opposition’s rejection of dialogue must end. Both sides must engage in sincere discussions about the Tumaini protocols,” he urged. Yakani pointed out that cooperation is essential to avoid undermining the political transition and to create favorable conditions for credible elections by December 2026.
He articulated a warning that delaying these elections would constitute a grave error in the transitional process. “CEPO is calling on the President to direct the government’s delegation towards the success of the Tumaini initiative, and we urge opposition leaders to recognize their primary responsibility in this endeavor,” Yakani concluded.
As the tension in Maban County continues, CEPO’s call for immediate action highlights the critical need for effective governance to foster stability and progress in South Sudan.
