By Pastor Abunerry, Ayella 18-3-2026 Torit When Hon. Lam Gabriel Francis was appointed commissioner, the youth, women, and almost all stakeholders celebrated. His appointment came at a time when the county is struggling to maintain peace and security and to advance much-needed development. It has rarely been the case in the history of Magwi County for a community to celebrate the appointment of one of its own to such a significant public office , except in less critical positions. However, Panyikwara , where the commissioner hails from, did what many would consider unprecedented by offering a lavish reward to the appointing authority. While such a gesture may appear commendable, it ultimately undermines the commissioner’s leadership. As a public figure, his office should transcend clan interests , yet the celebration appears clan-centered and weakens the sense of collective responsibility across the county. First, the office of the commissioner is a public position that no single c...
$2B ROADS CONSTRUCTION PROJECT: Using Eastern Equatoria Gold at the Expense of Juba-Torit-Nadapal and Other Eastern Equatoria State Roads.
By Pastor Abunerry Ayella. 22-2-2026 Torit. All roads within the country demand a facelift and rehabilitation. For over 20 years, South Sudan has continued to suffer under its weak government's plans to provide tangible services over vast, untapped, valuable resources. Where resources such as oil are extracted, funds derived from them are mismanaged with no benefits for the local community. Thousands of dollars disappeared in broad daylight without accountability. These have weakened systems and dragged the country into untenable poverty. In 2024, Eye Radio reported that the Juba-Torit-Nadapal road construction would commence in December of the same year, a gesture the citizens assumed was a relief. In the news was the World Bank funding the project; until today, we have yet to hear about a feasibility study. Has the Juba-Torit-Nadapal road been forgotten, or was it a nightmare proposal? This week, the Council of Ministers approved a whopping sum of $2 billion dollars to const...