SOUTH SUDAN: GPAA Launches Disaster Management Council To Address Growing Challenges in the Region

By Debora Akur Chol, South Sudan

The authorities in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) on Monday, officially launched the Disaster Management Council, an initiative aimed at tackling the region’s increasing vulnerability to disasters.

The ceremony was led by Chief Administrator Peter Guzulu Maze, under the theme “Ensuring Disaster Risk Governance for Community Resilience in GPAA.”

The newly formed council will focus on addressing the growing frequency of severe droughts, cholera outbreaks, water shortages, persistent inter-communal violence, and seasonal flooding that have plagued the area.

In the past two weeks alone, Greater Pibor has recorded 906 cases and 155 fatalities, with new cases emerging daily.

During the event, Chief Administrator Guzulu emphasized the urgent need for a structured, strategic approach to managing the escalating disasters that are severely affecting the lives and well-being of the community.

“We must equip ourselves with effective governance mechanisms to mitigate these risks while building resilience among our people,” Guzulu stated.

He also called on the Ministry of Disaster and Humanitarian Management to prioritize the recruitment of local youth for disaster coordination roles.

“This initiative will not only create job opportunities but also empower the community to take an active role in disaster management and information dissemination, ensuring timely responses to emergencies,” he added.

The Chief Administrator urged all stakeholders, including community members and partners, to unite and act proactively to ensure the safety and long-term prosperity of the GPAA.

He praised the Ministry of Humanitarian and Disaster Management for their ongoing support, especially for sending their Director General to oversee the formation and launch of the Disaster Risk Management Council in the region.

The launch event brought together a wide range of representatives, including civil society groups, international partners, law enforcement agencies, as well as youth and women’s organizations, all committed to strengthening disaster risk management efforts in the GPAA.