The citizens of Western Equatoria State are calling on the newly appointed governor to address the Tombura conflict and work towards reuniting the Azande and Balanda communities. They believe that tackling the current insecurity is vital for the region’s development.
In an interview with Catholic Radio Network, Silvestor Rafael Ruati, Chairperson of the Youth Union of Western Equatoria State, stressed the importance of restoring peace and implementing judicial reform across all ten counties of the region.
Ruati highlighted the need for the new governor to focus on reducing division within the local communities, particularly the tribal conflict in Tombura County, and strive to restore the unity that existed between 2010 and 2013.
He emphasised the importance of addressing the root cause of the conflict between the Azande and Balanda communities and urged the governor to engage with external influences that may be fuelling discord.
Ruati also called for the creation of a peaceful environment for the youth, along with opportunities for employment, technical training institutions, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions that have been closed.
Meanwhile, Fozia Abbus Barnaba, the women leader of Western Equatoria State, urged the new governor to prioritize engagement with the people of Tombura to bring an end to the conflict.
Abbus highlighted how women and children have suffered as a result of the conflict and stressed the urgent need for peace to prevail in the region.
She also called for action to tackle gender-based violence, describing it as a growing concern in the state.
Abbus welcomed the appointment of the new governor and expressed the support of women in Western Equatoria State under his leadership.
The Catholic Radio Network attempted to speak with civil society representatives in Western Equatoria State regarding the governor’s appointment. However, the state’s political situation, initially under the SPLM-IO and now with the SPLM IG, posed challenges in obtaining diverse opinions on the matter.
South Sudan President Salva Kiir recently appointed James Al-Tayib Jazz Birapai, a loyal member of the SPLM, as governor of Western Equatoria State, breaching a peace agreement that specified the role should be filled by Riek Machar’s SPLM-IO party.
The position had been vacant for almost six months following the removal of the SPLM-IO-appointed governor. Supporters of the ruling SPLM in certain areas of Western Equatoria had called for the region’s governance to revert to the SPLM instead of remaining under the SPLM-IO.
The decree announcing Jazz Birapai’s appointment was broadcast on state TV, indicating the region’s new leadership direction under his stewardship.
