Speaking at a ceremony at his residence where he distributed civil attire to the defectors, Commissioner Bullen expressed profound gratitude to the Central Equatoria State government under the leadership of His Excellency General Augustino Jadala. The government has played a pivotal role in encouraging armed groups to abandon rebellion through comprehensive support that includes cash, food, and non-food items.
Morobo County, December 1, 2024 – In a significant step toward fostering peace and stability in Central Equatoria State, the Commissioner of Morobo County, Hon. Charles Data Bullen, has lauded the state government’s ongoing efforts in rehabilitating defectors from the National Salvation Front (NAS) who have chosen to lay down arms and join the government.
“The rehabilitation of these individuals marks a significant milestone in our collective journey toward lasting peace,” Bullen remarked. “However, there remains an urgent need for additional support from both governmental and non-governmental organizations to facilitate their integration into the community and the national system. Many more defectors are expected to join this initiative in the coming weeks, and we must be prepared to assist them.”
Challenges and Integration Efforts
Colonel William Deng Chol, the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) commander in Morobo County, emphasized the importance of orientation programs to address challenges faced by the defectors during their integration into the community and the army.
“There are issues related to ranking differences among the defectors and their counterparts in the army. This requires immediate attention through training and orientation to ensure smooth assimilation,” said Colonel Deng.
The defectors, many of whom have experienced years of conflict, are reportedly adjusting well to life in the community.
Commitment to Peace
The leader of the defected group expressed gratitude for the support extended by the county authorities and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace.
“We are determined to play a critical role in convincing those still in rebellion to join the peace process. Together, we can achieve total peace in Morobo County and beyond,” the leader stated.
This development comes as a beacon of hope for the region, which has faced prolonged instability. The integration of defectors into civilian and military life not only strengthens local governance but also reinforces the broader peace-building efforts in Central Equatoria State.
Local leaders are now calling for increased collaboration between the government and humanitarian agencies to ensure the success of these initiatives and to provide long-term support for defectors and their families.
