South Sudan’s National Legislative Assembly Speaker, Jemma Nunu Kumba, arrived in Yambio, Western Equatoria State, on Friday to attend the fourth anniversary of the Azande Kingdom.
The kingdom was restored in February 2022, 117 years after the death of King Gbudue at the hands of British colonial forces in 1905. His great-grandson, Atoroba Peni Rikito Gbudue, was installed as king during the restoration ceremony.
Speaking to journalists, Nunu said her visit was aimed at reconnecting with the people of Western Equatoria and promoting peace in a region affected by conflict.
“I have come to meet the people — women, youth, and elders — to brief them on national issues and encourage peaceful coexistence,” she said. “Western Equatoria has been affected by conflict, and we must mobilize communities to embrace dialogue, work with the government, and promote peace.”
Nunu, who hails from Western Equatoria, also highlighted the impact of insecurity on children over the past five years and stressed the importance of restoring stability in a region known as one of South Sudan’s food baskets.
Acting Governor and Minister of Roads and Bridges, Elia Richard Box, welcomed the Speaker, calling her visit “historic” and noting that security across the state’s ten counties remained calm.
Nunu was accompanied by officials from the National Legislative Assembly in Juba. The Azande Kingdom’s fourth anniversary celebrations run from 7–9 February, with the main event scheduled for 9 February.
On arrival, the Speaker was received by state leaders, including Acting Governor Box, Western Equatoria State Legislative Assembly Speaker Ann Tuna Richard, youth and women representatives, Azande Kingdom officials, and traditional leaders.