The caretaker governor of Jonglei State, Moses Majok Gatluak, has made appointments of caretaker commissioners for Twic East and Duk counties. The move comes as youth from the two areas have been involved in intermittent violence since 2023. Governor Majok named Chol Deng Gatluak as caretaker commissioner of Duk County and James Magok Mabiei as caretaker commissioner of Twic East County. The appointments were made through Gubernatorial Order No. 01 of 2026.
The violence between Twic East and Duk counties has escalated in recent weeks. More than a dozen people were killed last week when an armed youth group from Twic East attacked residents in Apiir Palaidhiim village in Duk County. The attack followed a series of incidents in parts of Twic East County. The clashes have taken a heavy toll on lives and livelihoods, with many calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Governor Majok cited Article 99(2)(a) of the Jonglei State Transitional Constitution, read together with Republican Decree No. RSS/OP/RD/J-243-09/2026, as the legal basis for the appointments. The appointments took effect immediately. The governor's move has been welcomed by some, who believe it could help address the escalating violence between the neighbouring communities.
Kenya Mach, information secretary of the Jonglei State Women’s Association, welcomed the appointments. She said the violence had taken a heavy toll on lives and livelihoods and urged the caretaker governor to build on the appointments by travelling to the state and establishing a peace committee. Mach emphasized the need for a committee inclusive of affected communities, youth, women, faith-based groups, and politicians.
The Jonglei State Women’s Association has called for a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of the violence. Mach said the committee should travel with the governor to the affected areas to seek a solution through dialogue. The association believes that a peaceful resolution to the conflict is crucial to restoring stability and security in the area.
The appointments of the caretaker commissioners have been seen as a positive step towards addressing the conflict. However, the situation remains volatile, and many are calling for sustained efforts to restore peace and stability in the area. The governor's ability to establish a peace committee and engage with the affected communities will be crucial in determining the success of the appointments.
The conflict between Twic East and Duk counties has been ongoing since 2023. The violence has resulted in significant loss of life and displacement of people. The caretaker governor's appointments and the proposed peace committee are seen as critical steps towards resolving the conflict and restoring peace to the area.
Key points
- Governor Moses Majok Gatluak appoints caretaker commissioners for Twic East and Duk counties amid escalating violence.
- The violence has resulted in significant loss of life and displacement of people.
- A peace committee is proposed to address the root causes of the conflict and seek a solution through dialogue.
