By Deng Ghai Deng
The Christmas celebrations in Bor were celebrated in a peaceful and calm manner, with no reports of accidents or violence on the 24th and 25th of December. Christians in the area took part in street marches, gathered for prayers in churches, and spent time with family in homes and hotels, all without disruption.
Maj. Gen. John Baak, the police commissioner for Jonglei state, confirmed that both Bor Town and its surrounding villages experienced a tranquil environment throughout the holiday season. He attributed this peace to the deployment of police forces who ensured public safety and maintained order on the streets.
“The Christmas celebration has gone well from December 24th to 25th, with all public prayers being peaceful and no accidents reported during the festival. We hope for the same peaceful situation as we approach the New Year celebrations, which will also take place in the same secure environment,” said General Baak.
To ensure safety, the police took additional measures this year, allowing people to enjoy the holiday without concern. General Baak urged the public to continue cooperating with the security forces to ensure safe travel and peaceful celebrations as the New Year approaches.
Residents of Bor expressed their appreciation for the calmness that marked this year’s Christmas. Mayen Kuc Amol, a local resident, shared his relief at celebrating Christmas without worries, a stark contrast to previous years when violence marred the celebrations. He praised the government’s efforts in maintaining law and order and highlighted the visible presence of police forces during street marches.
“The Christmas of this year is one of the best ever, considering the security situation. This is the first Christmas without any crisis since I arrived in Bor in 2005. I was part of the march, and I saw the efforts of the police and other organized forces. I am happy that Christmas ended without accidents or violence,” said Mayen.
Mercy Achol Jok, a local business owner, also expressed her gratitude to the police and authorities for ensuring a peaceful holiday. She reflected on past years when incidents such as children going missing or being injured during violence were common. This year, however, was different, and she prayed for continued peace in the upcoming New Year celebrations.
“I am happy that Christmas ended well. In the past, there were incidents of children being lost or injured in violent situations, but that didn’t happen this year. We pray that the New Year’s celebration will also be peaceful,” said Achol.
John Akuok Nyok, a concerned citizen, emphasized the importance of consistency in security to protect the lives and property of citizens, as outlined in the constitution. He called on the government to ensure the well-being of police forces, ensuring their timely payments and professional training.
“Every citizen deserves to feel secure, and I urge the government to sustain this security. The forces must be well taken care of and trained on how to handle citizens properly. Although there have been no issues so far, it’s essential that they continue to receive training to maintain professionalism,” stated Akuok.
The peaceful celebrations in Bor serve as a hopeful sign for stability in a state that has long been affected by conflict and insecurity. For many, the ability to observe holidays like Christmas without fear is seen as a significant step toward a more secure and unified future.