NBGs governor urges sworn-in caretaker ministers to work toward elections

Caretaker Governor of Northern Bahr el Ghazala Gen. Charles Madut Akol is urging newly sworn-in caretaker ministers to join hands in ensuring properly organized elections, as South Sudan’s planned polls continue to face skepticism.

He made the remarks on Wednesday during the swearing-in ceremony for the caretaker ministers.

Gen. Madut said elections are essential to closing the chapter on the transitional arrangement established under the peace agreement and creating an opportunity for the country to move forward.

“It is a collective responsibility,” he said, urging the officials to “join hands” in ensuring the electoral process is properly organized.

The governor acknowledged that the government formed under the peace agreement is large but said it has struggled to deliver meaningful development to citizens.

“We can all see the reality when walking the streets,” he said, referring to the hardships faced by children, mothers and fathers across the country.

Gen. Madut said much of the government’s attention has been focused on implementing the peace agreement, limiting its ability to directly engage with communities and address their needs.

“For a long time, we have been unable to truly engage with our people, who have been waiting patiently,” he said.

He said preparing for elections requires cooperation across all levels of government, including ministers, governors and other state institutions.