Warrap governor blames insecurity on lack of basic services and development

WARRAP – The governor of South Sudan’s Warrap State Bol Wek Agoth has said that persistent violence and insecurity in the state stem from a lack of essential services and development, arguing that communities are now fighting over scarce resources they expected to receive after the country’s liberation struggle.

Speaking during a cabinet briefing on Thursday, shortly after returning from a medical trip abroad, Wek said communities who contributed heavily during the liberation era had anticipated improved services but instead remain underserved, fueling frustration and recurrent conflict.

Addressing cabinet ministers, county commissioners and the public at a symposium held at the state secretariat, the governor said service gaps have compounded mistrust between communities and weakened efforts at reconciliation.

He cited tensions between the Luanyjang and Anei-Atak communities, describing them as long peaceful but now increasingly drawn into violence due to political manipulation and competition over limited resources.

“I want to make it clear that our people have fought a just war of liberation which they have included themselves in by contributing their bulls and everything at their disposal, and the cause is that they fight over resources and this is something that can be solved only that the politicians are politicizing everything even simple feuds,” Wek said.

He said his administration is working with county commissioners—particularly those in Tonj East and neighbouring areas—to pursue armed youth responsible for violence.

“The Luanyjang and the Anei-Atak communities are peaceful all along and now it is getting politicized. My administration is working hard to make sure that all commissioners, especially the ones of Tonj East and their neighbours, work around the clock to ensure that the fugitive armed youth are brought to book,” he said.

Wek said progress has been made under the ongoing state of emergency, noting that security forces have collected more than 500 weapons from armed youth. He stressed that Warrap’s instability, particularly in the Greater Tonj area, must be addressed urgently since the state is home to the president.

“There is a relative peace to be achieved if all state of emergency rules are observed. Now we have observed and seen that over 500 guns have been collected from the armed youth so far. This is a great credit to the officials on duty,” he said.

Wek warned officials—especially commissioners—that those failing to implement government directives or enforce security measures will be dismissed.

“I want to make it crystal clear that anyone who is not working will not be maintained,” he said. “The news featuring a lot is about the clashes, and this has clouded the social and political atmosphere of our state. These challenges can be addressed if we all work hard in implementing the state of emergency. Now the law is clear: anyone who kills can be killed.”

The governor said he will only work with officials committed to restoring security.

“As you use sweet talk without doing what I am brought here for, then know you will be shown the exit,” he said.

Warrap State continues to grapple with insecurity, resource shortages and food deficits, similar to many states across South Sudan. Analysts say political interference, revenge killings and resource pressures have worsened communal tensions, placing heavy expectations on the governor to restore stability.