On assuming office on Wednesday, newly appointed Central Equatoria State Governor Gen. Rabi Mujung Emmanuel called on the people of the state to embrace unity and shun division for the betterment of the region and improved service delivery.
Gen. Mujung, who takes over from Gen. Augustino Jadallah Kamilo Wani, made the remarks during his reception at the state secretariat. He emphasized the importance of rising above political party affiliations and working together for peace, development, and progress.
“I wish to call upon all colleagues in the government…and all the political parties across Central Equatoria State, let us set aside our differences and work together in unity and harmony towards achieving the singular best interests of the people of South Sudan,” he said.
Governor Mujung acknowledged the key challenges facing the state, notably insecurity caused by holdout groups, particularly in Greater Yei land disputes, and frequent clashes between cattle herders and farmers. He stressed that these problems require a united and coordinated response.
He also expressed concern over the welfare of civil servants and citizens across the state, pledging to address the issue while maintaining integrity in governance.
“I fully understand that the challenges of sustaining the welfare of our people or public servants have become a burning issue. This is a concern we must, and will address,” he stated. “However, it must never mean that we normalize corruption at the expense of our fellow citizens and the development partners who place their trust in us. We must simply find a win-win situation, and I assure you, we are determined to do so.”
The governor praised the contributions of his predecessors, noting that their leadership has built a foundation he plans to strengthen and expand. He further emphasized the importance of social cohesion and inclusive development, pledging to uphold unity among communities in the state.
Gen. Mujung linked insecurity to underdevelopment and youth unemployment and promised to tackle the root causes while pursuing peaceful engagement with armed groups.
“Regarding the issue of insecurity in our state, it is my firm belief that before it is a politically motivated act, it is a direct result of a lack of development and employment opportunities. I am confident that together with my existing colleagues in the government, we can effectively address some of the root causes,” he said. “We will work diligently to address legitimate grievances that have led some of our brothers and sisters to take up arms and bring them home to the form of peace and prosperity.”
“Our respected citizens are looking forward to us delivering these essential services, and this is a responsibility of my government. Let us be clear; these are not privileges,” Mujung added.
For his part, outgoing governor Gen. Augustino Jadallah Kamilo Wani highlighted the pressing issues that his successor must address, including widespread displacement in Morobo County due to ongoing insecurity in the greater Yei area.
“Your Excellency, Gen. Mujung, the task ahead is promoting security, improving service delivery, enhancing agriculture, building infrastructure, and ensuring unity across all our diverse communities in Central Equatoria State,” he said. “The challenge is big, needs unity, needs commitment. And I want to assure you, you have elite ministers, they will help you, you have elite advisors, and we have a great and strong assembly. I want to advise the executive and the legislature to continue in the spirit of unity.”
Gen. Jadallah highlighted the biggest challenges as rebellion, especially in the area of greater Yei, displacement in Morobo, and the presence of pastoralists and their cattle from other states, which has led to tensions with local farmers.
Citizens’ expectations
While Governor Mujung now takes over at a critical time and is expected to build on existing structures to steer the state toward peace, development, and unity, some Central Equatoria State citizens are urging him to prioritize security and restrict cattle movement, especially now that the farming season is on.
George Pitia, a resident of Juba, said he expects the new governor to improve security across the state and especially along roads connecting Juba to the other five counties to ease movement.
“With good security, we can experience development and take our local produce to Juba from the neighboring counties or villages,” he said. “I mainly want him to emphasize the security of our roads and also check the movement of cattle because we are approaching the rainy season when farmers cultivate.”
David Towongo, another resident of Juba who hails from Yei, wants the new governor to address land grabbing, which has long been a serious issue.
“I want him to consider the Land Act seriously and be able to work with the communities of Central Equatoria State,” he stated. “Governor Mujung should not listen to advice from people from outside this state because this state is his responsibility.”