Central Equatoria State Governor, Emmanuel Adil Anthony speaks to journalists at a press conference held in Juba on Thursday (Photo by GPU)
JUBA — Central Equatoria State Governor, Emmanuel Adil Anthony, on Thursday urged the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) and the National Salvation Front (NAS) to end violence and embrace peace ahead of South Sudan’s planned general elections.
Governor Adil made the appeal on Thursday while addressing the media following his recent 12-day working visit to Yei, Morobo, and Wondoruba areas.
Governor Adil called upon General John Kenyi Latio, popularly known as Kenyi Loburon, to abandon fighting and join the peace process.
“I also made a direct appeal to General John Kenyi Latia, who is known as Kenyi Loburon; he is a son of the area who is still holed up in a group fighting against the government,” he said.
He called on the two holdout groups to abandon armed confrontation and pursue peaceful political engagement, saying lasting peace is essential for the country to conduct credible elections.
“The doors for peace are still open. We are calling on our brothers who are still in the bushes to come out and embrace peace,” Adil said.
Adil said continued violence and insecurity could undermine efforts to create a conducive environment for citizens to participate freely in the electoral process.
“We say let him denounce and stop fighting so that our people return and get the dignity of peace. And that appeal, he stands, we still want to call upon, not only him but also any son of this state who is still holding up guns against the government.”
He stated that the government is still open to dialogue and urged the holdout groups to embrace peace.
“The president continues to offer amnesty, inviting them to join the peace movement. So the door to peace remains open.”
He said the state government will continue working with communities and partners to improve basic services, strengthen infrastructure, and create conditions for the safe return and reintegration of displaced citizens.
He said restoring peace and providing essential services remain key to enabling communities to rebuild and participate in the country’s political transition.
The National Salvation Front (NAS) and factions of the SPLA-IO have continued to engage in armed confrontations with government forces in Central Equatoria State.
The NAS, led by General Thomas Cirillo Swaka, emerged in March 2017 and has its strongest presence in the Equatoria region.
The group opposed the 2018 peace agreement, arguing that it did not adequately address issues including governance, federalism, and the concentration of political power.
The continued presence of armed opposition groups has contributed to insecurity, displacement, and difficulties in restoring government services in areas such as Yei, Morobo, and surrounding counties.
