‘Peace-loving’ ex-Bentiu community leader in Egypt says he wants Rubkona county commissioner

JUBA – Former Bentiu Community chairperson in Egypt, Yam Ruot Gatdet, is telling Sudans Post that he is contesting for commissioner of Rubkona County.

This comes after South Sudan parties to the revitalized peace agreement reached a long-awaited deal to divide among themselves local government positions with the oil-rich Rubkona County, which is located in Unity state, being allocated to the main armed opposition group to which Gatdet, who is said to be a front-runner in the race for Rubkona county commissioner, is a ‘die-hard’ member.

Speaking to Sudans Post on Tuesday, Gatdet said he took the decision after many calls from community leaders as well as his own  will to serve the people of Rubkona county, and vowed to support reconciliation efforts if appointed.

“As per recommendations from so many eminent personalities within our community, community leaders, religious leaders, women’s groups and youth, plus my willing to serve my people in different capacities as a son of this beautiful community I therefore, opted to contests for Rubkona County’s Commissionership. Because I believe it is a our responsibility to make this community great again and it is no time than now to make it happens,” he said from Juba.

“You know very well that I’m peace-loving individual, who always comes and stand where people are making peace and this is my position. By bringing all Rubkona citizens together irrespective of their political parties or affiliations, I will greatly prioritizes in my leadership on reconciliation, peace and unity,” he added.

Asked what would be his first achievement if appointed, the opposition member said “As you know as youth and someone who grown up here, I have developmental aspirations that I always wishes to achieve.

“I believe it will be a right time to implement all these dreams (visions) and aspirations if given a chance to serve. These aspirations are none than making sure that all eight Payams are interconnected with tarmac roads. Schools, clean drinking water, security and health-cares within Rubkona county headquarter and across eight Payams are the priorities.”

Gatdet is a former chairperson of Bentiu Community in Egypt. During his tenure, many community issues were brought to an end as many praises him for “good leadership and tolerance.”