Emmanuel Taban Seme, Commissioner of Yei River County, alongside state and county officials and senior SSPDF officers, in a group photo during the launch of a five-day civil-military relations conference in Lasu Payam, Yei, on December 28, 2024. – Credit: Yei Commissioner’s Office

The Commissioner of Yei River County urged the SSPDF to vacate school premises and Payam offices to enable the local government to provide essential services to the community.

Commissioner Emmanuel Taban Seme made a statement following the inauguration of a five-day conference on civil-military relations in Lasu Payam on Saturday, December 28, 2024.

The event aimed to enhance collaboration and understanding between civilian authorities and military forces, fostering peace and stability within the region.

Taban commended the Lasu community for initiating the peace conference, reaffirming his commitment to promoting peace across the county.

He called on citizens, including the military, to embrace forgiveness and reconciliation for the atrocities committed during the conflict.

The commissioner assured the community of the imminent reopening of Libogo Market and the demarcation of land to facilitate development.

He pledged to recruit additional health officers to serve at the Payam health facility.

Women in Lasu Payam will benefit from training programs by 2025 to equip them with skills and knowledge for personal and community development.

SSPDF Commander Major General John Lual Tong praised the Lasu community for organizing the peace conference and acknowledged the severe impact of the conflict on the area.

He noted that Lasu Payam suffered heavily, with women enduring horrific crimes, including rape by untrained soldiers, many of whom were prosecuted through a general court-martial in Yei.

General Tong urged soldiers to respect civilians and support the reintegration of refugees returning from Congo and Uganda.