The inhabitants of Western Equatoria State have welcomed the appointment of the new governor, James Al-Tayib Jazz Birapai, and shared their hopes and expectations for peace, stability, and development in the state.
The new governor is a member of President Salva Kiir’s SPLM Party and a prominent Juba-based barrister.
Silvestor Ruati, the chairperson of Yambio County Youth Union, said his peers are happy with the appointment, noting that the people have endured hardships since the removal of former Governor Alfred Futuyo.
“We need him (governor) to restore peace, prioritize agriculture for the civil population, and improve the education system, especially scholarship opportunities,” he said. “Health facilities are not well equipped, and this should also be addressed.”
For her part, Fozia Abbas Barnaba, the chairperson of the state’s women’s union, said women are delighted by the appointment, as the state has gone a long time without a governor. She stressed that the most urgent task is resolving the crisis in Tambura County.
“The priority must be to end the Tambura conflict. Solutions should be sought by engaging people on the ground and addressing the root causes,” she stated. “In any conflict, women and children are the most affected, and the new governor should take this seriously.”
In Tambura County, Siki Renzi called for peace, free movement, reconciliation, and unity in the state. He urged the governor to visit Tambura to witness firsthand the suffering of people, many of whom remain in IDP camps.
Meanwhile, Eknai Dusman Mobol, a resident of Mvolo County, urged the new governor to work closely with the youth and listen to their concerns.
“People are suffering from war and discrimination, with many being left behind,” he stressed. “The governor should work together with the youth to bring positive change.”
For his part, civil society activist Edmond Yakani also welcomed the appointment, describing the governor as a capable leader. However, he noted that political instability persists in parts of the state, particularly in Tambura, Nagero, and Yambio counties, where incidents of violence have affected parliamentarians and religious leaders. He appealed to national leaders to focus on consolidating political consensus to stabilize the state.
Western Equatoria State witnessed renewed violent clashes, targeted killings, and road ambushes in several counties since February, when the former governor, Gen. Alfred Futuyo, who is also a commander of the SPLA-IO led by incarcerated First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, was removed.