Yambio’s Rii-Rangu civilians to return as soldiers agree to relocate barracks
Displaced residents of Ri-Rangu in Yambio County are expected to return home following a recent agreement between civilians and soldiers to relocate military barracks away from the town centre.
Yambio County Caretaker Commissioner Modi Enosa Mbaraza said the agreement was reached during a two-day dialogue held several weeks ago between community members and soldiers living in the barracks.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Eye Radio on Friday, Mbaraza said the resolutions were aimed at improving relations between civilians and soldiers and creating conditions for residents to resume normal activities.
“They have resolved to come back, and then the soldiers have resolved to quit the centre of Ri-Rangu and then have a barrack somewhere so that people can come and start activities such as schools, issues to do with hospitals,” Mbaraza said.
She explained that Ri-Rangu previously hosted Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) forces, some of whom were later integrated into the security arrangements. Some residents subsequently left the area and settled elsewhere.
The agreement provides for the return of displaced residents and the relocation of soldiers’ barracks away from the town centre, with the aim of allowing civilian activities and essential services, including schools and healthcare facilities, to resume.
However, Mbaraza did not specify when the soldiers would relocate their barracks or when displaced residents were expected to return. Details on how the resolutions would be implemented and monitored were also not provided.
The commissioner also called on South Sudanese citizens and political aspirants to maintain peace as the country prepares for elections.
She urged candidates to campaign peacefully and avoid intimidation, coercion or the use of force, saying political differences should be resolved through dialogue rather than violence.
“This election should not bring in any kind of violence again in the community, because we are looking for peace and peaceful coexistence,” Mbaraza said.
“So, it will be a good idea to defeat idea with idea, not to defeat the idea with bullets.”
She further encouraged citizens to participate in the electoral process and choose their leaders freely, stressing that maintaining peace before, during and after the elections would help prevent further displacement and allow communities to continue their daily activities.
