The newly appointed cabinet of Western Equatoria State has launched its first 100-day program, pledging to prioritize security, good governance, and peace building in the state.
The inaugural cabinet meeting, chaired by Governor James Al Taib Berapai in Yambio on Friday, brought together six newly sworn-in ministers to outline strategies that will shape the administration’s direction in its first three months.
Speaking to the media after the council of ministers meeting, the minister of Cabinet Affairs John Bariyona Furula said the session was aimed at setting a “results-driven agenda” to rebuild public confidence in government institutions across the state.
“Our people need to see real change, and in the next 100 days, we are focusing on restoring security, improving service delivery, and ensuring accountability in the use of public resources,”
Bariyona told reporters after the meeting.
Security featured prominently on the agenda as the state continues to face challenges of armed attacks, road ambushes, and the growing threat of “unknown gunmen”. Just last week, a hospital staff in Yambio was critically injured in a night attack, an incident that raised alarm among residents.
For his part, Western Equatoria State Governor Barrister James Al Taib Jazz Berapai pledged that the cabinet would work closely with security agencies and communities to restore stability.
“Our resources must be used wisely to serve the people and achieve our government’s objectives. Security comes first, because without it there can be no development,” the Governor said.
The government’s 100-day plan echoes provisions in the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, particularly Chapter Two on Security Arrangements, which calls for the unification of forces and restoration of law and order across South Sudan.
In a symbolic move to reinforce public trust, the cabinet introduced a ministerial dress code, with official suits to be distributed to members to present a unified image of professionalism.
A senior government official described the meeting as a “significant step toward transparent governance,” emphasizing that public funds will be managed responsibly.
For the people of Western Equatoria, who have endured years of insecurity, the next 100 days will be a litmus test of whether the new administration under the leadership of Governor Barrister James Al Taib and his Deputy Justine Joseph Marona, can deliver on its promises of peace, stability, and reform.
