(Juba) – The new Governor of Central Equatoria State, Rabi Mujung Emmanuel, has pledged to eliminate corruption and prioritise transparency and good governance during his time in office. His message came during the first official State Council of Ministers’ meeting under his leadership, held on Thursday in Juba.
Appointed recently by President Salva Kiir, Mujung becomes the fourth person to lead Central Equatoria since South Sudan gained independence in 2011. In his opening address, he made it clear that his administration will not tolerate corruption and will work to restore public trust in government institutions.
According to Jacob Aligo, the State’s Acting Minister of Information and Communication, Governor Mujung used the cabinet session to set out his vision. The governor outlined key priorities including promoting peace, improving security, enhancing service delivery, and boosting socio-economic development.
“The Governor stressed that a peaceful environment is essential for sustainable development,” said Aligo during a press briefing after the meeting. He added that Mujung identified ongoing insecurity as a serious concern and called for practical solutions to ensure safety for all communities in the state.
A major focus of the session was on accountability. Governor Mujung told his ministers that any form of corruption, mismanagement, or unethical conduct would not be accepted. “The Governor directed that his government would not entertain any form of corruption,” Aligo said.
This firm stance comes amid years of public frustration over weak oversight, misused resources, and limited delivery of essential services. Mujung said his leadership will aim to model integrity and professionalism across all levels of government.
The governor also pledged to strengthen institutions that manage humanitarian relief and disaster response. Central Equatoria, like other parts of South Sudan, has faced floods, displacement, and other crises in recent years, highlighting the need for better preparedness and coordination.
In an effort to improve the state’s economy, Mujung reaffirmed plans to engage both local and international investors. He said private sector partnerships will play a key role in creating jobs, increasing revenue, and supporting long-term development goals.
Social unity was another important theme of the meeting. Mujung called on leaders and citizens to put aside political and ethnic differences and focus on building an inclusive and resilient society. “The Governor emphasised that promoting unity is critical to building a stronger, more resilient state,” said Aligo.
The meeting also served as an introduction between the new governor and members of the cabinet. Mujung took time to understand the portfolios of each minister and stressed that coordination between ministries is essential to deliver on his agenda.
Governor Mujung’s appointment has been met with cautious optimism from the public and civil society organisations. Many residents of Central Equatoria have welcomed his tough talk on corruption and hope it will translate into action. However, several voices have also urged him to move beyond promises and ensure that reforms are implemented.