New Duk and Twic East Commissioners Inherit Unresolved Deadly Conflict

Jonglei’s caretaker governor has filled the two county posts after clashes killed at least 13 people on the Duk side. The commissioners’ immediate security and mediation plans remain to be seen.

BOR — Jonglei State caretaker governor Moses Majok Gatluak has appointed county commissioners for Duk and Twic East, where recurring armed clashes have left civilians exposed and raised fears of retaliation.

The order took immediate effect, according to Radio Tamazuj, which says it reviewed copies. The governor cited Article 99(2)(a) of the Jonglei State Transitional Constitution together with President Kiir’s caretaker decree as the legal basis. The precise text of the order has not been independently obtained by South Sudan Press.

These are administrative appointments. Neither the order nor the public reporting establishes that the commissioners have secured a ceasefire, deployed a neutral force, opened an investigation or agreed a reconciliation timetable.

The conflict they inherit

Former Duk commissioner John Chatim Ruei told Radio Tamazuj on 25 September that 13 Duk youths were killed and 26 injured in fighting near Apiir Palaadhiim. He said searches were continuing and the Twic East casualty figure was unknown. The 13 deaths therefore should not be presented as a complete toll across both counties.

Earlier in September, Twic East officials reported four killed and three injured in an attack on Wernyol. Allegations about the attackers in each episode remain those of local officials and need independent investigation. Tensions around fishing areas and reprisals have persisted for years; the latest appointments are an opportunity to test whether the caretaker administration can act impartially on both sides.

First 72 hours

Both commissioners should set out, preferably together, what steps they will take to prevent mobilization and retaliation; whether police or a neutral protection force will cover exposed settlements and routes; how the injured and displaced can access services; and who will compile casualty and missing-person lists.

Kenya Mach of the Jonglei State Women’s Association welcomed the appointments but called for a committee including affected communities, youth, women, faith groups and political figures to address the causes through dialogue. Such a process would need clear authority and follow-up, alongside an independent inquiry into recent killings.

South Sudan Press has requested the commissioners’ first action plans, a complete casualty count, security-deployment records and a timetable for inclusive mediation. Their answers will indicate whether filling the posts leads to measurable civilian protection.