By Baraka John
Some citizens across Western Equatoria State have welcomed the appointment of a new governor with renewed hope, urging him to prioritize security, foster unity among the state’s diverse communities, and improve critical infrastructure to spur development.
President Salva Kiir Mayardit, on Thursday evening, appointed James Altaib, a lawyer by profession and a member of the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), as the new governor of Western Equatoria State. He replaces Alfred Futuyo Karaba, an SPLM-IO member who was relieved of his duties in February 2025. The state had since been under the leadership of Daniel Badagbu, who served in an acting capacity for six months.
In exclusive interviews with King Media, some citizens from across the state expressed cautious optimism and outlined their expectations for the new governor, particularly on issues of security, unity, and infrastructure development.
Silvano Doruba, a youth from Mvolo County, said the news of Altaib’s appointment was received with jubilation in his area. However, he stressed that expectations are high.
“I think in his capacity as a governor in Western Equatoria state, we expect the governor to take immediately task to address the issues of Tombura to make sure that there is calm in the state and also to end all insecurity that arises in parts of eastern Counties and in every county”. Doruba urged
Highway ambushes, kidnappings, and attacks have become alarmingly frequent in recent months, paralyzing trade and movement in Western Equatoria and contributing to rising unemployment among the youth.
Uzataz Adu Joseph Daniel, another concerned citizen, described Altaibs appointment as timely.
“We as the youth of Western Equatoria, there are lots of killings in Tombura, Nagero, Yambio, Mundri, Mvolo and in Maridi. All the roads are blocked; there is no way for the youth to move in freedom. So the governor he has come in the right time, we believe all these will end with the power of God. Adu stated
In Maridi County, Beneth William Bazia, a local youth, emphasized the need to address disunity among young people.
“We are very excited for this and we are waiting for him to come on the ground to unite the people of this state to bring peace, calm the insecurity because we know Western Equatoria is full of inter-conflict. Bazia disclosed
Wingba Benedict, a member of the Network for Civil Society Organizations in Western Equatoria, said the public’s reaction signals hope for a new chapter.
“As a member of civil society, we normally get our views from the citizens and among those whom we have interacted with, we see the faces of the people reflecting happiness. And they are expressing that now at least hope has come in them. Meaning they have been waiting for long to see the appointed governor who could come and lead the people of Western Equatoria ahead. Wingba narrated
Western Equatoria, one of South Sudan’s most fertile and diverse states, has faced numerous challenges in recent years, from inter-communal violence and road insecurity to weak infrastructure and limited service delivery.
Governor James Altaib, with a legal background and a party base in SPLM, now inherits a state in dire need of healing, unity, and tangible development.