By Emmanuel Mandella
Juba, South Sudan – President Salva Kiir Mayardit has renewed his call for peace, unity, and hard work across South Sudan as he swore in Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa as the new Governor of Western Equatoria State, linking the message of national cohesion to a fresh leadership mandate in one of the country’s most strategic regions.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony at the State House in Juba on Wednesday, President Kiir underscored that peace is not merely a slogan but the cornerstone of development, stability, and prosperity. He urged both leaders and citizens to place national interest above personal and political differences, emphasizing that without peace, there can be no development, and without unity, progress will remain fragile.
The President’s remarks came at a time when Western Equatoria State, long regarded as South Sudan’s agricultural backbone, is seeking to consolidate stability after years of insecurity, displacement, and economic disruption. The appointment of Governor Rimbasa is widely seen as a critical step toward restoring public confidence and accelerating recovery in the state.
Governor Rimbasa takes office amid high expectations from communities across Western Equatoria, who are looking to the new administration to prioritize security, revive agricultural production, improve service delivery, and strengthen coexistence among diverse communities. In his address after taking the oath of office, Rimbasa pledged to work with all stakeholders, including traditional leaders, churches, youth, and women’s groups, to uphold peace and foster inclusive governance.
He accepted the responsibility with humility and determination, stating that his priority is to work with the people of Western Equatoria to strengthen peace, promote unity, and unlock the economic potential of the state. Rimbasa emphasized the need to work together regardless of political or ethnic differences to rebuild trust and move forward.
Western Equatoria State has in recent years been affected by communal tensions, cross-border security challenges, and economic hardship, despite its vast fertile land and strategic location bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic. Analysts say effective leadership will be key to transforming the state into a driver of national food security and economic growth.
President Kiir emphasized that the responsibility of peacebuilding does not rest with leaders alone but with every citizen. He called on communities to reject violence, tribalism, and lawlessness, urging the new governor to prioritize dialogue, rule of law, and reconciliation at the grassroots level. The President stressed that governors must be servants of the people, protecting lives, upholding the rule of law, and creating an environment where citizens can farm, trade, and live without fear.
The President also linked peace to economic revival, noting that stability in states like Western Equatoria would boost agricultural output, trade, and national revenue, ultimately reducing dependence on humanitarian aid.
Residents of Western Equatoria have expressed cautious optimism following the appointment. Community leaders say the new governor’s success will depend on his ability to engage local actors and respond to pressing challenges, including insecurity, poor roads, and limited access to health and education services. A local civil society activist in Yambio described the President’s message as timely, adding that what people want now is action through improved security, support for farmers, and genuine dialogue with communities.
The swearing-in ceremony, which also saw the appointment of other senior officials, comes as South Sudan prepares for a critical political period, with leaders emphasizing stability and cohesion as essential pillars for the country’s future. President Kiir reiterated that unity remains the nation’s strongest asset, urging political leaders to lead by example and avoid actions that could undermine fragile peace. He called on all South Sudanese to put the country first, emphasizing that diversity should be a source of strength rather than division.
As Governor Rimbasa assumes office, many eyes are on Western Equatoria to see whether renewed leadership, backed by a strong presidential message on peace and unity, can translate into tangible change on the ground. The hope is that this new chapter will restore confidence, revive livelihoods, and reinforce the idea that peace is not only possible but necessary for South Sudan’s progress.
