JONGLEI - County commissioners and local authorities from South Sudan’s Jonglei state recently concluded a three-day forum focused on enhancing their capacity to manage conflict, improve intra-governmental relations, and address myriad challenges facing their communities.

The event, supported by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), was a much-needed platform for various interlocuters to dialogue and collaborate.

Given the state’s longstanding struggles with insecurity, cattle related violence and child abduction, not to mention an overarching lack of basic services for citizens, the gathering was timely.

Participants discussed their roles in promoting peace, security, and accountable governance.

"Our communities face numerous challenges, including outbreaks of violence, food shortages, and inadequate water and sanitation. But sitting together these three days have allowed us to engage with state leadership and agree on collaborative efforts with various line ministries to fully provide services to the people in our counties," said Botrus Biel Lual, County Commissioner, Fangak.

Spirited conversations underscored the need for closer cooperation between the state government and county administrations. 

"An agreement was reached to establish local government legislative councils, train local government officials, and empower traditional authorities to effectively discharge their duties. We see this as a step in the right direction," explained Puok Nyang from Akobo county.

For his part, Atong Kuol Manyang, Deputy Governor of Jonglei, urged commissioners to take ownership of their counties' stability and development, emphasizing the importance of including women, youth, and persons with disabilities in decision-making. 

"The responsibility for addressing challenges affecting your people lies with you. You must direct the development of your jurisdictions and, even during disasters or crises, act as focal persons working with the state government to serve their interests," she said.

As South Sudan begins the fourth extension of its ongoing transitional period this month, UNMISS encouraged commissioners to foster open civil and political space, enabling political parties to engage with communities ahead of the country’s first elections which are now scheduled for December 2026. 

"Commissioners play a pivotal role in fostering inclusive and accountable governance. They are vital to implementing the Revitalized Peace Agreement as they are closest to the people. Their role in conflict management and service delivery also cannot be overstated," said Gilbert Nantsa, acting head of the UN Peacekeeping mission’s Field Office in state capital, Bor.

Key resolutions agreed upon by all stakeholders at the end of the forum included, among others, collaborative ways to promote communal peace dialogues and encourage reconciliation; hold civil and military dialogues to build relationships of trust among the civilian population and security actors; opening civic and political space for inclusive governance; and deploying mobile courts as well as strengthening customary courts to improve access to justice and accountability.