Western Equatoria State Governor Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa has instructed the state’s 10 county commissioners to prioritize security, strengthen peacebuilding efforts, and support preparations for South Sudan’s general elections scheduled for 22 December 2026.
He issued the directives during a strategic meeting with county commissioners in Yambio and urged them to work closely with security agencies, traditional leaders, youth, civil society organizations, and local communities to maintain peace and stability across the state.
He also directed commissioners from Yambio, Nzara, Tambura, Ezo, Nagero, Maridi, Mvolo, Mundri East, Mundri West, and Ibba counties to strengthen community engagement, promote peaceful dialogue, and encourage conflict resolution, including engagement with armed groups willing to embrace peace.
On the electoral process, the governor instructed county authorities to support the National Elections Commission by providing a secure environment for civic and voter education, voter registration, and other electoral activities.
He appealed to leaders and residents of Western Equatoria State to work together to safeguard peace and ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections.
Mundri West County Commissioner Zilipha Dawa, speaking to the media on behalf of the 10 commissioners, said they had received clear guidance from the governor to effectively carry out their duties.
“As Western Equatoria enters the election period, preparations must be organized, transparent, and peaceful,” she said. “We are fully committed to implementing the guidance we have received.”
She urged citizens to respect the rule of law, cooperate with authorities, and participate peacefully in the electoral process.
For his part, Ibba County Commissioner Wilson Tetela said commissioners are committed to implementing the governor’s directives by strengthening security, promoting peace, and preparing communities for the elections.
Tetela said county authorities were directed to identify candidates for Administrative Police training to improve security across the state. He added that commissioners were instructed to engage armed groups and encourage those still in the bush to return peacefully and participate in the democratic process.
He added that the governor also pledged to visit Mundri East County to address concerns related to Mundari cattle herders through peaceful dialogue.
“The time has come for the people of Western Equatoria and South Sudan to unite, uphold the rule of law, and create a peaceful environment where every citizen can freely participate in elections and choose their leaders,” Tetela said.
Meanwhile, Western Equatoria State Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement Abel Sudan said the meeting enabled newly appointed commissioners and ministers to receive guidance from the governor. He said the state government remains committed to supporting the general elections on 22 December 2026, allowing South Sudanese to elect their leaders through the ballot.
“As Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement, I will ensure these directives are implemented across the state and that citizens receive messages promoting peace, civic responsibility, and participation in the electoral process,” Sudan said.
The meeting was welcomed by civil society leaders, with the Vision South Sudan Director, who doubles as the chairperson of the Civil Society Network in Western Equatoria State, Wanga Emmanuel, commending Governor Badagbu for prioritizing peace, security, and democracy.
“I want to thank our governor for prioritizing democracy and peace so that people can begin to do their business,” he said. “Security is paramount, and we congratulate him because he is on top of the game to make sure that there is security in our state.”
Wanga urged all county commissioners to strengthen grassroots peacebuilding efforts and ensure election officials can carry out their duties without intimidation.
He reaffirmed the Civil Society Network’s commitment to supporting the government and local communities in promoting lasting peace and a credible electoral process.
He also encouraged citizens to have confidence in the planned elections, saying South Sudan’s Constitution and the Elections Act provide the legal framework for peaceful and credible elections.
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