President Salva Kiir Mayardit has called on the newly appointed leadership of Western Equatoria State to immediately focus on ending insecurity and restoring harmony among communities torn apart by years of conflict.
During Thursday’s swearing-in ceremony at State House in Juba, Governor James Altaib Berapai and Deputy Governor Justin Joseph Marona took the oath of office, pledging to serve a state grappling with persistent violence, displacement, and deep-rooted mistrust.
“You are going home with a big responsibility,” President Kiir told the new leaders. Your people have suffered enough. They want peace, not promises. Work together, work honestly, and work for them.” Said President Kiir.
The President stressed that unity between state officials would be vital to meeting public expectations and stabilizing the region.
Also sworn in were Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation James Mawich Makuach, tasked with prioritizing access to clean water across South Sudan, and incoming Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Yien Chan Ruei.
Western Equatoria has faced a surge in communal clashes over recent years, particularly in areas such as Tombura, Nagero, and parts of Yambio County.
Many residents say they hope the new leadership will address the root causes of violence and rebuild public trust.
“We want leaders who will listen to the people and work with everyone to restore our peace,” said a community elder in Yambio.
Governor Berapai and his deputy are expected to return to the state in the coming days, where urgent security and reconciliation challenges await them.
