Twic East, Duk counties get caretaker commissioners as tensions remain high

The newly appointed caretaker governor of Jonglei State, Moses Majok Gatluak, has appointed caretaker commissioners for Twic East and Duk counties, where youth from the two areas have been involved in intermittent violence since 2023.

The violence has escalated in recent weeks, with more than a dozen people 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.

In appointments announced on Monday, Governor Majok named Chol Deng Gatluak as caretaker commissioner of Duk County, replacing John Chatim Ruei, who was affected by the recent dissolution of the transitional government.

James Magok Mabiei was appointed caretaker commissioner of Twic East County.

The appointments were made through Gubernatorial Order No. 01 of 2026, copies of which were seen by Radio Tamazuj.

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. They took effect immediately.

Kenya Mach, information secretary of the Jonglei State Women’s Association, welcomed the appointments, saying they could help address the escalating violence between the neighbouring communities.

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.

“As civil society, we welcome the appointment of commissioners for Twic East and Duk because these counties are experiencing violence that is dangerously escalating and costing many lives,” she said.

“Our appeal is that the governor should establish a committee inclusive of affected communities, youth, women, faith-based groups and politicians. The committee should travel with the governor to the affected areas to address the root causes of the violence and seek a solution through dialogue.”

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