The newly appointed governor of Gogrial State has vowed to reconcile and unite the feuding communities in the area, saying he will achieve the plan with the help of traditional leaders, politicians, military officers and other actors.

Victor Atem Atem told Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday that he would also work with neighbouring states to enhance peaceful coexistence and work to ensure that hostile activities and attacks are prevented from reoccurring.

“I am still here in Juba. I just took oath of office with other colleagues but I am planning to go to the state soon.  Preparations are underway but what is important is the message I want to send to the public, particularly the people of Gogrial state is that my appointment is to restore hope, bring peace, unity, reconcile, restore trust, harmony and forgiveness,” he said.

The new state official said he would need help from the people of the state to achieve his plans. “When I go to the state, I will sit down with the people to hear from them how they want the peace and security to be restored,” he said.

“We are also going to talk to the communities so that we hear from them and put our heads together to see how we can improve not only on the security but also our relations with our neighbouring states and ensure that those who are carrying out attacks and cattle raids are stopped,” he added.