Western Equatoria State reopened its legislative assembly on Wednesday after a six-month recess, with Governor Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa urging lawmakers to prioritise peace, security and accountability as South Sudan prepares for elections in 2026.
Addressing the opening session, Rimbasa said his administration remained committed to promoting peace through dialogue and reconciliation to consolidate stability across the state.
He said security had improved in most parts of Western Equatoria but acknowledged that violence and insecurity persisted in Mundri East County, Northern Yambio Payam and Bandala in Nagero County.
To address the situation, the governor said the state government would strengthen community policing, recruit additional police officers and enhance border security to better protect civilians.
Rimbasa also said more than 3,700 former opposition combatants would be integrated into the unified national forces as part of the implementation of South Sudan’s 2018 peace agreement, although he did not provide a timeline.
On governance, he pledged to improve transparency, accountability and public service delivery through reforms aimed at strengthening the performance of state institutions.
Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly Ann Tuna called on lawmakers to exercise effective oversight of the executive while urging the government to improve security, dismantle illegal roadblocks, strengthen the delivery of basic services, integrate unpaid civil servants from the former state administrations and resolve longstanding land disputes.
Civil society groups welcomed the reopening of the assembly but urged the government to strengthen the justice sector and ensure greater accountability.
Wanga Emmanuel, chairperson of the state’s civil society organisations, described the resumption of parliamentary business as an important step towards strengthening democratic governance.
He urged the state government to reinforce the independence and effectiveness of the judiciary to uphold the rule of law and ensure access to justice.
Wanga said civil society organisations would continue monitoring the implementation of government policies while encouraging citizens, political parties, religious leaders and development partners to support peace, good governance and development.
The reopening of the assembly comes as South Sudan steps up preparations for elections scheduled for December 2026, amid continuing security challenges and calls for reforms to create conditions for a credible vote.
and then