Historic Gathering in Aweil
Aweil’s first Commissioners Forum convened at dawn, launched by Governor Simon Ober Mawut before a packed civic hall. The five-day meeting, mandated by Governors’ Forum Resolution 26, signals a rare opportunity for coordinated planning across Northern Bahr el Ghazal.
Service Delivery High on Agenda
Governor Mawut urged commissioners to halt unchecked creation of chieftainships and resolve land disputes, insisting resources must reach citizens swiftly. “Our priority is tangible services, not administrative clutter,” he told participants, reflecting growing public demand for clinics, roads and schools.
Border Trade with Sudan Under Scrutiny
Delegates are dissecting customs bottlenecks, market access hurdles and security threats along the Sudan frontier. Economists note that smoother cross-border flows could lift household incomes by up to 15 percent, provided checkpoints are harmonised and informal levies curtailed.
Strengthening Local Governance
Sessions emphasize performance reviews, data-driven budgeting and alignment with national policies. Planning directors showcased early successes in digital tax collection that raised county revenues, while chiefs highlighted community dialogues that cooled previous flashpoints.
Participants Voice Expectations
Information Minister Gabriel Deng Yel said each county sent six representatives, ensuring gender and traditional authority balance. “We expect practical resolutions we can measure in three months,” he stated. Civil society observers welcomed the inclusive format, calling it “a template for future provincial forums.”