CES governor visits Lainya County|Photo Courtesy

Central Equatoria State has called on residents of Lainya County to maintain peaceful coexistence, saying unity is essential for preserving the area’s history and supporting development.

Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony arrived in Lainya on Friday and is expected to extend his tour to Yei and Morobo Counties

Speaking to residents on Saturday morning, Governor Adil commended the community for organizing a cultural festival, saying its songs and traditions help unite the people.

He also highlighted Lainya’s historical contribution to South Sudan’s liberation struggle, citing Aggrey Jaden, Samson Kwaje, Vincent Kujo and Abraham Wani as heroes associated with the area.

“I’m thankful you people did a beautiful festival. You have beautiful songs that unit people. You. You tradition is great, you history is great and in this place there are heroes. Aggrey Jaden, Samson Kwaje, Vincent Kujo and Abraham Wani, people who fought the liberation war, so I want you people to live in peace.”

The governor urged residents across the five Payams of Lainya to avoid allowing minor differences to divide their communities.

“Sometimes there are small things that divide people. It was God who created us and gave us this land and we should live in peace. Let the five Payam of Lainya live in peaceful coexistence.”

Residents, community leaders, women, youth and elders also called for increased government support for peacebuilding, youth empowerment, healthcare, maternity services and infrastructure.

The Pojulu community appealed for mobility support to facilitate the safe return and reintegration of refugees, while interfaith groups pledged to continue supporting peacebuilding, trauma healing and counselling.

During his visit, Governor Adil also unveiled the Gumbora statue at the Lainya County roundabout in a ceremony celebrating the area’s history and heritage.

The engagement is part of the governor’s Greater Yei Tour, aimed at listening to communities and addressing concerns around peace, unity and development.