Alemitu

The situation in Gambella continues to deteriorate under the administration of Alemitu Umod as the region faces worsening insecurity, stalled development, rising living costs, corruption, and widespread public frustration.

What many citizens expected to become a new chapter of stability and recovery after the removal of Omot Ojullu and Thankuey Joack has instead become a period many now describe as one of the most difficult moments in Gambella’s recent political history.

Across the region, lawlessness has expanded rapidly while the regional administration appears increasingly weak and ineffective in responding to the growing security crisis. Armed attacks continue in several districts, civilians live under constant fear, and public confidence in the government’s ability to provide security has nearly collapsed.

The level of killings and violence taking place under the current administration has shocked many residents who say Gambella has never experienced this level of insecurity and instability in recent years.

Under Alemitu Umod’s leadership, the security structure of the region has visibly weakened. Communities that once hoped for peace and reconciliation after years of ethnic tension now say the administration has failed to maintain order or protect innocent civilians.

The government’s inability to stop repeated armed violence has left many residents feeling abandoned while criminal activities continue to spread across different parts of the region. At the same time, the corridor development projects launched nearly two years ago have failed to produce meaningful progress despite the large public resources invested in them.

Roads remain incomplete, construction sites remain inactive, and many of the projects announced with political promises have shown little visible achievement. Instead of development, the projects have become symbols of corruption and looting of public resources while ordinary citizens continue to suffer without improved infrastructure or public services.

The economic condition of residents has also worsened significantly. The cost of food, transportation, housing, and other essential goods continues to rise while unemployment and poverty remain severe. Families are struggling to survive in an environment where insecurity and economic hardship are growing at the same time.

Many residents now openly question the direction of the regional government and whether the administration has any clear strategy to stabilize the region. Serious concern also surrounds the operation of the Anywaa militant group known as Lwa-Ciri, which continues to operate inside the Anywaa Zone in Alemitu Umod’s administration watch.

The group maintains military bases and training grounds while receiving support and financing from within the regional administration without approval from the regional parliament.

The existence and expansion of such armed structures under the watch of the current administration has intensified fear, weakened trust between communities, and further destabilized the security situation in the region.

When the previous administration of Omot Ojullu and Thankuey Joack were removed, many people believed Gambella would finally move toward peace, better governance, and development after years of political division and ethnic tensions. Citizens hoped for reform, accountability, and stronger leadership.

However, after nearly two years under the current administration, many residents now say the situation has become worse than before. Public disappointment has grown so deeply that some citizens now openly state they miss the previous administration because the current leadership has failed to provide even the level of stability that existed in earlier years.

The crisis facing Gambella today is no longer only about politics. It has become a broader collapse of security, governance, development, and public trust. Unless urgent action is taken to restore law and order, end corruption, complete abandoned development projects, and rebuild confidence among the population, many fear the region will continue descending deeper into instability and uncertainty.

This article is authored by Pam Chuol Joack, a scholar and analyst specializing in Gambella affairs.