Citizens of Western Equatoria State are calling on the newly appointed governor, James Al-Tayib Jazz Birapai, to prioritize resolving the long-standing conflict in Tombura and restore unity between the Azande and Balanda communities. Locals say that without peace and reconciliation, meaningful development in the region will remain out of reach.
The Chairperson of the Western Equatoria Youth Union, Silvestor Rafael Ruati, stressed that the people of the state expect the governor to ensure full restoration of peace and justice reforms, not only in Western Equatoria but across all ten states.
“The youth of Western Equatoria State need the new governor to bring back the unity we had between 2010 and 2013 so that people can live together as brothers and sisters. The division along tribal lines, especially in Tombura County, has persisted for more than five years,” Ruati said.
He emphasized that the new governor must focus on resolving the deep-rooted tensions between the Azande and Balanda communities and uncover the real causes of the conflict.
Ruati also urged the governor to address the influence of external actors and politicians who are fueling tensions by manipulating the youth, rather than the conflict originating from the youth themselves.
He further appealed for the creation of a peaceful environment through job opportunities, technical institutions, better healthcare services, and the reopening of schools that have remained closed due to insecurity.
Meanwhile, Fozia Abbus Baranab, a leading women’s rights advocate in Western Equatoria State, also appealed to the new governor to immediately engage with stakeholders in Tombura and bring the conflict to an end.
“Without resolving the situation in Tombura, Western Equatoria cannot enjoy lasting peace,” she warned.
“If the conflict continues, many women, children, and the elderly will continue to suffer or even lose their lives. I’m appealing to the incoming governor to take this matter seriously.”
Fozia also called on the governor to take concrete steps to address the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) across the state, describing the issue as a “growing tension” that must be urgently tackled.
Despite the challenges, she welcomed the appointment of the new governor and pledged women’s support for his leadership.
President Salva Kiir’s recent appointment of Birapai—an SPLM-IG loyalist—has raised concerns about the breach of the 2018 revitalized peace agreement, which allocated the governorship of Western Equatoria to First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar’s SPLM-IO.
The governorship had remained vacant for nearly six months following the removal of SPLM-IO’s Governor Alfred Futuyo.
The new appointment comes amid pressure from SPLM supporters in the State who had demanded that the leadership of the state return to the ruling party.
Birapai, a seasoned lawyer and well-known SPLM member based in Juba, now faces the daunting task of restoring peace, rebuilding trust, and navigating the political complexities in Western Equatoria.
