The Commissioner of Torit County, Lokan Charles, has called on residents to embrace unity and reconciliation as security conditions in the county show signs of improvement, following months of instability that disrupted livelihoods and food production.
Speaking in an interview, Lokan said insecurity and economic hardship remain the most pressing challenges facing Torit, noting that last year’s outbreak of violence severely affected farmers and traders, many of whom were unable to access Torit town, the state capital.
“The major challenge we faced was insecurity, which broke out last year. It affected farmers and traders who could not access Torit, the state headquarters,” he said, adding that the nationwide economic downturn also contributed to low agricultural production.
According to the commissioner, the combined impact of violence and economic strain left many families displaced and unable to cultivate their land or transport produce to markets, worsening food shortages and financial hardship across the county.
However, he noted that the security situation has improved in recent weeks, describing January as a turning point. “In January, we recorded no security incidents.
This is a positive sign,” Hon. Lokan said, explaining that local authorities are engaging communities through dialogue and planning ground-level negotiations to sustain peace.
On development issues, the commissioner clarified that while most urban projects fall under the Torit Municipality, rural communities are gradually resuming farming activities as calm returns.
He emphasized that Torit remains one of South Sudan’s key food-producing counties.
“We are encouraging our people to return to their farms to improve food security and livelihoods,” he said.
Hon. Lokan also highlighted the opening of a new market in Nanyif, established with support from development partners, as part of efforts to stimulate local trade and expand economic opportunities.
In a direct appeal to residents, the commissioner urged unity and collective responsibility, stressing that lasting peace cannot be achieved without cooperation at the community level.
“Our people have suffered enough. We do not need war; we need peace. War only brings destruction and loss of life. Let us love one another and return to our farms. Agriculture is the key to overcoming economic hardship,” he said.
County authorities say they remain committed to consolidating peace, strengthening negotiations, and advancing development initiatives as resources allow, with agriculture positioned at the center of Torit’s recovery efforts.
