By Baraka John
Western Equatoria State’s newly appointed leadership has pledged to work hand in hand to restore stability and foster peace in the region, which has been plagued by insecurity in recent months.
Governor James Al-Taib Jaz Berapai and his deputy, Justin Joseph Marona, arrived in Yambio, the state capital, on Saturday and immediately addressed the media at the airstrip.
Governor Al-Taib emphasized his commitment to uniting communities and addressing the root causes of conflict.
“I come here ready to work with every citizen of Western Equatoria to bring peace and reconciliation. If there has been anything dividing us or fueling war, I urge every son and daughter of this state to embrace peace so that we can live together as human beings,” he said.
Deputy Governor Marona echoed the governor’s message, stressing that peace will remain their foremost priority.
“Our priority is peace. Our second priority is peace. And our third priority is peace,” he declared. “We are here for peace, unity, and social harmony. We call on the people of Western Equatoria to forgive each other, move beyond party divisions, and rebuild together.”
Marona also highlighted recent cooperation among South Sudan’s key political stakeholders including the SPLM, SPLM-IO interim leadership, the transitional government, and international partners describing it as a “strategic partnership” to advance the full implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
President Salva Kiir appointed James Al-Taib Jaz Berapai, a lawyer and senior SPLM member, as governor on August 6, 2025. Berapai, who previously headed the South Sudan Bar Association, replaces Alfred Futuyo Karaba of the SPLM-IO, who was dismissed on February 10.
Deputy Governor Justin Joseph Marona, appointed under SPLM-IO’s interim leadership headed by Stephen Par Kuol, replaces Daniel Badagbu, an SPLM member who had served as acting governor for six months.
On Friday, the Network for Civil Society Organizations (NeCOs) urged the new leadership to swiftly deploy adequate security forces and logistical support to troubled parts of the state, stressing that their presence is critical to containing ongoing violence.