RUMBEK — The Caretaker Governor of Lakes State, Rin Tueny Mabor, has warned of possible hunger following poor rainfall and urged residents to prepare food for their families ahead of an expected difficult farming season.
Tueny made the remarks during the swearing-in of newly appointed caretaker government officials in Rumbek.
He said rainfall in May and June was insufficient for cultivation, while rains that began in October came too late to support this year’s farming season.
“We have a very big challenge, which is climate change. The situation has changed: no rain, no water, and people did not cultivate,” Tueny said. “The rains that came in May and June this year were not enough for cultivation. So, there is nothing to be harvested this year, and this will contribute directly to hunger and food insecurity.”
The governor urged residents to start looking for food for their families rather than rely solely on assistance from the government and humanitarian organisations.
He said support from the government and its partners might take time to arrive, calling on households and communities to prepare for possible food shortages.
Tueny also called for peace and freedom of movement within Lakes State and in neighbouring areas, saying residents should be allowed to travel peacefully in search of food.
He warned that northern parts of the state were facing serious shortages of water and pasture, partly due to overgrazing since last year.
According to the governor, the shortages could force cattle keepers to move their herds towards southern Lakes State and neighbouring areas, including Wulu, Mvolo and Terekeka counties, as well as Western Equatoria State.
He urged communities to consult their neighbours before moving cattle across county and state boundaries to avoid disputes over water and grazing land.
Tueny said the government would also engage young people to promote peaceful cattle migration and prevent possible conflict.
He called on residents to maintain peace at family and community levels, saying cooperation would be essential as the state faces the effects of poor rainfall and the risk of food insecurity.
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