In what was described as a landmark session, the Council of Ministers of Western Equatoria State convened its 17th regular meeting on Friday October 3, 2025, taking bold steps to strengthen governance, restore public trust, and reaffirm its commitment to peace and unity.
The meeting, chaired by Hon. Justine Joseph Morona,Deputy and current Acting Governor of Western Equatoria State, brought together state ministers to deliberate on security, governance reforms, and social cohesion.
Briefing the media shortly after the meeting, Hon. James Abdallah Aruna, Minister of Health and Acting Minister of Information and Communications, outlined five key resolutions that set the tone for the state’s administration in the months ahead.
“This Council is determined to ensure accountability, discipline, and unity in leadership. Today’s meeting was not just routine it was a step toward reshaping how governance works in Western Equatoria State,” Hon. Aruna declared.
The Council welcomed reports indicating that the security situation across the state remains stable. Acting Governor Morona praised security forces and local communities for their cooperation, while urging continued vigilance.
“Our people deserve peace. The government’s top responsibility is to protect lives and property, and we are committed to ensuring that Western Equatoria remains calm and safe,” Morona stressed.
The Council revisited the Law on Emoluments of Constitutional Post Holders, previously presented to the State Assembly.
The Governor’s office will now issue directives for its effective implementation.
This move, according to analysts, signals renewed attention to fairness and transparency in how public officials are compensated.
In a bid to instill discipline and professionalism within its ranks, the Council resolved to draft a Code of Conduct for ministers within two weeks.
“Public trust starts with leadership conduct. We cannot demand accountability from citizens if we, as leaders, are not accountable ourselves,” Hon. Aruna remarked.
The Council further resolved to reinstate the full mandate of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, ensuring the ministry regains its rightful responsibilities in driving economic growth, market regulation, and industrial development.
This decision is expected to boost investor confidence and streamline the state’s economic direction.
In Call for Peace, Unity, and Harmony, the meeting concluded with a strong appeal for peace and reconciliation across Western Equatoria.
The ministers reaffirmed their loyalty to Governor Barrister James Al-Taib Jazz Berapai’s leadership and pledged to work as one team to deliver services to the people.
“Western Equatoria will only move forward if we live together in peace and harmony. As leaders, we must lead by example and unite our people under a common vision for development,” the Council emphasized in its communiqué.
Observers say the resolutions mark a turning point inWestern Equatoria’s governance focusing on restoring confidence in public institutions, creating a culture of accountability, and prioritizing peace.
As the state continues to recover from years of instability, Friday’s meeting sends a clear message: Western Equatoria’s leadership is intent on doing things differently.