By Yiep Joseph
Central Equatoria State (CES) Governor Augustino Jadalla Kamilo Wani has urged the people of Western Equatoria to love one another and embrace peace.
Over the weekend, Governor Jadalla joined other leaders in Maridi County to participate in a solemn peace and memorial prayer. The event honored the memory of the Mande family and other sons and daughters of Maridi, organized by Africano Mande, former Commissioner General of the South Sudan National Revenue Authority.
Speaking to the congregation at the Palm Valley Family Residence in Maridi, Jadalla called on politicians, church leaders, and residents of Western Equatoria to work together to restore peace and stability in the state.
“The time for division is over, and only through unity and decisive action can Western Equatoria achieve lasting peace and South Sudan have peace,” Governor Jadalla said.
Jadalla urged the leaders to focus and engage the former governor in order to bring him on board in peacebuilding.
“I urge you, the politicians and the church leaders of Western Equatoria, to engage with Gen. Futuyo and ensure that peace prevails. There is no longer any gain in war,” he said.
“To the people of Western Equatoria, I urge you to love one another. Unity among you is essential for peace and progress,” he added.
Governor Jadalla called on the communities to remain united and engage in agriculture to fight food insecurity.
On his part, Daniel Badagbu, the Acting Governor of Western Equatoria State, reiterated the call for residents to be kind to one another.
He expressed that peace allows development and added that his administration remains committed to seeking avenues toward peace and stability.
His Grace Justine Badi Arama, the Archbishop of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan, appealed to the leaders to focus on initiatives that promote peace and reconciliation among the people.
He appealed to the residents to continuously embrace forgiveness in order to give peace and love a chance.
Early this month, the Inter-Church Committee in Yambio, Western Equatoria, called on the state government to restore peace and stability, which have been severely affected by escalating violence.
Speaking to journalists at the State Secretariat in Yambio, Archbishop of Western Equatoria and Chairman of the Diocese of Yambio, Canon Samuel Enosa Peni, expressed deep concern over the ongoing military confrontations within the Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU).
Peni highlighted the devastating effects of these confrontations, including loss of life, widespread destruction of property, displacement, and an atmosphere of fear and confusion.
“We are deeply disturbed by the level of unrest and violence affecting Western Equatoria State,” said Peni. “We are witnessing military confrontations that have led to the loss of lives, the destruction of property, and the displacement of many families. This situation is creating fear and confusion among our people.”
The Inter-Church Committee’s appeal follows the removal of Governor Alfred Futuyo Karaba, a decision that has further complicated the political and security landscape of the state.