Picture of Azande head of council of elders shaking hand with Adut Kiir in her office
In what is being described as a major stride toward strengthening ties between traditional institutions and the national government, the Azande Kingdom Council of Elders has officially extended an invitation to Hon. Adut Salva Kiir, the Senior Presidential Envoy on Special Programs, to visit the Azande Kingdom in Yambio, Western Equatoria State.
The high-level delegation led by Elder Angelo Beda, one of the respected figures within the Azande Council of Elders, met with Hon. Adut in Juba earlier this week to convey the invitation and discuss ongoing peace building and development priorities within the kingdom.
Speaking after the meeting, Elder Beda said the visit will symbolize renewed unity and cooperation between the Azande people and the government of South Sudan.
“The Azande Kingdom believes in dialogue, peace, and partnership with the national government. By inviting Hon. Adut, we are opening a new chapter of collaboration that prioritizes peace, cultural preservation, and service delivery,” he emphasized.
According to Adut’s office, the Presidential Envoy graciously accepted the invitation, expressing deep gratitude to the Azande people for their commitment to unity and national harmony.
“It is an honor to be invited by such a proud and historic kingdom,” Adut said. “The Azande have always been champions of peace, coexistence, and development. My upcoming visit will focus on supporting community-driven initiatives and enhancing collaboration between Juba and Western Equatoria.”
Her upcoming trip to Yambio will mark her second official mission outside the capital, following her successful peace and development outreach in Torit, Eastern Equatoria State, earlier this year.
Bridging the Gap between Tradition and Government, observers say Adut’s visit carries deep national significance, and it is expected to foster stronger political and cultural relations between traditional leaders and the central government, particularly at a time when Western Equatoria State continues to recover from years of instability.
The visit is also expected to boost confidence among local communities, enhance coordination in the implementation of government projects, and strengthen grassroots peace building initiatives being championed by the Azande Kingdom.
Community reactions in Yambio have been overwhelmingly positive as Christine Ngbaazande Nanyaki in the Kingdom, an education activist and member of the Azande Board of Education, described the invitation as a “sign of national recognition.”
“This visit means that the voice of the Azande Kingdom is being heard in Juba. It’s a chance to bring real development discussions home from roads and schools to youth empowerment,” she said.
Meanwhile, Gamboripai Thomas, a secondary school student in Yambio, said the presence of the Presidential Envoy will encourage peace and attract investment especially in education sector across the state.
“When the government engages with traditional leaders directly, it builds trust. Investors and aid agencies will also see that peace is taking root,” Gamboripai noted.
On social media, the announcement of the invitation sparked wide excitement. On X (formerly Twitter), user @PeaceAzande wrote:
“Adut Kiir’s visit to Yambio is not just political it’s cultural diplomacy in action. The Azande Kingdom is rising again!”
Another Facebook commenter from Tombura, Mary Bazia, said.
“We welcome Hon. Adut with open arms. Her visit will help improve coordination on women’s programs and community security.”
Strengthening Peace and Service Delivery, security analysts in Western Equatoria say the visit could serve as a confidence-building measure to address local tensions and encourage inclusive dialogue among various communities.
The collaboration between Adut’s office and the Azande traditional leadership could also improve service delivery, particularly in health, education, and infrastructure development.
Local peace advocate, praised the move, calling it a “divinely inspired connection.”
“Traditional leaders and the government are both ordained by God to lead the people. When they work hand in hand, peace becomes sustainable and development becomes possible,” he said.
As preparations begin for the high-profile visit, expectations are high that Adut Kiir’s presence in Yambio will mark a turning point in relations between the Azande Kingdom and the national government, paving the way for a new era of peace, partnership, and prosperity in Western Equatoria State.
