The governor of Western Equatoria State has directed the newly appointed commissioner for Ezo County to strengthen border security and resolve disputes among traditional leaders in the region bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic.
Governor Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa ordered Commissioner Zaza William Hai Peter to engage closely with local communities and restore the role of chiefs in governance and peacebuilding, according to a statement from the governor’s office on Monday.
“In Ezo, there are challenges involving chiefs and insecurity along some roads. The rights of chiefs should be respected and properly addressed,” Badagbu said. “Go and organise Ezo, work closely with your people, and ensure peace.”
The governor’s directive comes as Ezo County grapples with insecurity on several routes, confusion within traditional leadership structures, and disputes over the roles and entitlements of chiefs. Badagbu described traditional leaders as essential partners in local administration and urged the new commissioner to reinforce cooperation with them.
Zaza’s appointment follows the promotion of his predecessor, Abel Sudan, who now serves as Minister of Local Government in Western Equatoria State.
Youth representative Cosmas Bonface welcomed the new commissioner and commended Sudan for his efforts to maintain peace during his tenure.
“As the youths of Ezo County, we are living peacefully, and we appreciate the work done by the outgoing commissioner,” Bonface said. “We welcome the incoming commissioner and encourage him to work closely with the community to continue promoting peace and development.”
Civil society chairperson Wanga Emmanuel called on authorities to address security issues and disputes involving the Ambororo community. He proposed establishing border markets to encourage peaceful economic activity between communities from neighbouring areas.
On traditional leadership disputes, Wanga said the conflict involves members of the same royal family and urged the commissioner to facilitate dialogue between the two sides.
“The current traditional leadership challenge in Ezo is between members of the same royal family,” Wanga said. “The commissioner should sit with both sides and help restore unity and harmony.”
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