Civil Society organizations in Yei River County are urging the Central Equatoria State government to consult the community before selecting leaders for the county.

The call comes days after the Governor of Central Equatoria State issued a decree on Thursday, replacing the Mayor of Yei Municipality and the Commissioner of Yei County.

The secretary general for the civil society organizations in Yei, Dara Felix, says there is a need for political authorities to consult the communities and the civil society before appointments of county leadership are made.

“If leaders are concerned about Yei, then I would best advise that you consult the people of Yei so that they select the leader they want,” argued Mr Felix.

“We have had an experience in Yei where leaders come today; next tomorrow, they are out. And next tomorrow, others are brought, and Yei has remained the same.

“If there is a need to change leaders, then let the people of Yei be involved so that they get somebody who can lead them, somebody who can direct them, somebody who can bring the much needed services to the people.”

Mr. Dara encouraged the outgoing leaders to continue to render services to the people.

For his part, the former Commissioner of Yei River County says he will remain serving in the SPLM party despite changes in the state government.

Juma David Augustine says he is grateful to the SPLM party for enabling him to exercise a constitutional leadership for two years.

He was speaking in Yei, two days after he was removed from the office by Central Equatoria State Governor Clement Wani Konga.

“SPLM political party remains my party and I continue to remain a very committed member of the party and will always be available and willing to serve within the party at any time when called upon,” he said.

Central Equatoria State government appointed Juma David Augustine as Commissioner of Yei River County in April 2012.

Mr. Bedale Cosmos Sumbe is the new Commissioner for Yei River County and Mr. Santo Paul Lasuba is the new Mayor for Yei Municipality.