Communities across Western Equatoria State have appealed to President Salva Kiir to urgently appoint a substantive governor, five months after the removal of former Governor Lt. Gen. Alfred Futuyo Karaba.
Several residents from the state’s different ethnic groups told Radio Tamazuj that there is growing frustration and concern over the leadership vacuum that has persisted since February 2025.
James Amabel, a representative of the Balanda community in Yambio, acknowledged that Deputy Governor Daniel Badagbu has managed to de-escalate tensions between the Balanda and Zande communities following Futuyo’s dismissal, bringing a measure of calm to the state.
He, however, emphasized the need for a permanent leader. “We have gone for five months without a governor, and we are appealing to the Government of South Sudan to appoint a permanent governor who can fully represent and lead our people.”
Hellen Maliga, who is from the Maridi Community and a member of the Baka tribe, stressed that without a governor, communities lack leadership and protection against potential threats.
“There is no one to defend us from dangers that might come. We are living peacefully among ourselves, but we feel like orphans, without a father or mother to guide the state,” she said. “We need peace, and peace starts with us and flows to others.”
For her part, Hellen Ading, a member of the Dinka community, said the prolonged vacancy is deeply concerning.
“It shocks us that Western Equatoria does not have a governor like other states,” she stated. “While Yambio is relatively peaceful, Tambura and Nagero remain insecure due to tribal tensions.”
Meanwhile, Elinama Adriano, a representative of the Zande Community, noted that while peace prevails within Yambio town, insecurity and tribal divisions are common in rural areas.
“My appeal to the national leadership is to appoint a permanent governor, not just an acting one.”
Mary Lokina, of the Lotuko Community in Yambio, echoed similar sentiments. “Deputy Governor Daniel Badagbu is trying his best, but we need a fully mandated governor. The state deserves a permanent leader.”
On his part, Azande Kingdom Acting Prime Minister Sebit Angelo Obebe, who is also a traditional leader, appealed for unity among the diverse ethnic groups in the state.
“I urge all 64 tribes from across South Sudan who reside in Western Equatoria State to love one another and promote peace and unity within the kingdom,” he appealed.
Wanga Emmanuel, a Yambio-based civil society activist, said they cannot speak on the issue because it is a political matter. He added that the acting governor is doing a great job and that he does not feel any administrative gap in the state’s administration.
“We as civil society have no concern to speak about the appointment of the governor because it is a political decision and the responsibility of the president,” he curtly said. “The acting governor is doing well, and from our side, we do not see any gap. It is a party matter, and we respect the process.”
Western Equatoria State has remained under the stewardship of Deputy Governor Daniel Badagbu since February 2025. The continued delay in appointing a new governor is drawing increasing attention from local leaders, citizens, and traditional authorities who fear that prolonged uncertainty could derail the fragile peace efforts.
The continued absence of a substantive governor has sparked mounting calls from community leaders for urgent action.