Western Equatoria State Governor Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa has directed newly appointed Mundri East County Commissioner Daite Mathew Bakiet to move his headquarters to Kediba and lead efforts to restore peace, security, and stability there and across the county.
He issued the directive while briefing the new commissioner, whom he urged to work closely with local communities, security forces, traditional leaders, churches, and other stakeholders to address insecurity and rebuild public confidence. He further advised Daite to be close to the people and listen to their concerns.
“As we speak, Mundri East County is devastated, but the people have entrusted you with leadership,” the governor stated. “Go further and ensure that every area is restored.”
He said reports indicate the presence of more than 200 SPLM-IO members in Mundri and stressed that lasting peace requires dialogue, cooperation, and effective security management.
“If you need the army, bring your request forward; if you need more police, I will support you,” Rimbasa added.
He directed Commissioner Daite to assess areas affected by insecurity, including Kediba, Lozo, Minga, Lakamadi, Witto, and Wandi, and work toward restoring peace and government services.
For his part, Wanga Emmanuel, Chairperson of Civil Society Activists in Western Equatoria State, welcomed the government’s efforts to restore peace in Mundri East County. He told Radio Tamazuj that communities have suffered from insecurity, displacement, and loss of lives due to armed conflict in the area.
He welcomed the decision to relocate the county administration to Kediba, saying it will strengthen government presence and restore confidence among the people.
“We do not want to hear incidents similar to what happened in Eastern Equatoria, where a commissioner was ambushed,” Wanga stated. Leaders must be protected so they can serve the people.”
He urged communities to support the new leadership, reject violence, and cooperate with security forces to promote peace.
Meanwhile, Sylvester Juma, Chairperson of the Greater Mundri East Community, appreciated the governor’s decision to base the commissioner in Kediba, saying the move will bring leadership closer to communities affected by insecurity and displacement.
“Most commissioners have been based in different locations, but now having him in Kediba will bring peace, restore hope, and unite communities,” he said.
On his part, Deris Kayanga, a church leader in the county, urged the new commissioner to work closely with churches, traditional leaders, and communities to promote reconciliation and unity.
“We need him to work closely with traditional leaders because they understand their communities and the role they can play in bringing peace,” he stated.
Pitia Benson Thomas, a member of the Western Equatoria State Legislative Assembly representing the SPLM Women League in Mundri East County, expressed support for the governor’s decision directing the commissioner to operate from Kediba. She said the community has welcomed the decision and is preparing to receive Commissioner Daite.
“The community on the ground has welcomed this decision and is ready to support the commissioner as he begins his duties from the headquarters,” she said.
She added that having the commissioner based in Kediba will allow the administration to better engage with communities and work toward restoring peace, security, and development in Mundri East County.
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