The Governor of Upper Nile State, Jacob Dollar Ruot, has pledged to rebuild trust and foster reconciliation among communities affected by years of conflict in Nasir and Ulang counties.
Speaking to a journalist from the Catholic Radio Network, Governor Dollar said his administration will prioritize dialogue and peacebuilding to ensure that essential services reach people in conflict-affected areas.
“The time has come to end the war and unite the people of Upper Nile,” he said. “I plan to temporarily relocate my office to Nasir to build confidence among the local population.”
Governor Dollar emphasized that his youth will be an advantage in engaging young people, who have often been involved in the conflict.
“The young people are the ones with the energy and unfortunately, they are the ones who have been used by elders. Being a young person myself gives me the strength to help change the status quo,” he explained.
He called on the people of Upper Nile to forgive one another, move beyond past divisions, and work together for peace and development.
“I call upon the sons and daughters of Upper Nile let’s unite and have a common purpose for the unity of our people. Whatever has happened, let us forgive one another and rebuild together,” the Governor urged.
Governor Dollar, who previously served as Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly since 2023, was recently appointed as the Governor of Upper Nile State.
Upper Nile has been one of the regions most affected by conflict since the outbreak of civil war in December 2013.
The state has witnessed repeated cycles of violence in 2016 and most recently in Nasir County, where clashes between the White Army and elements of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) have claimed hundreds of lives, displaced thousands, and deeply damaged community relations.
