By Baraka John
The Acting Governor of Western Equatoria State, Hon. Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa, returned to the state Monday morning after spending nearly two months in the national capital, Juba.
Badagbu, who also serves as the state’s Deputy Governor and is a member of the SPLM-In Government (SPLM-IG), was welcomed by state officials upon his arrival in Yambio. Addressing the media, he explained that his prolonged stay in Juba was aimed at tackling key security and administrative issues.
“One of the major reasons for my extended stay was to facilitate the integration of over 4,000 SPLA-IO defectors into the SSPDF,” he said. “This includes medical personnel, whose inclusion is crucial for ensuring peace and stability in Western Equatoria.”
His return comes amid growing public unease over the leadership vacuum in the state. Citizens have increasingly voiced concern over the absence of a permanent governor, with some urging President Salva Kiir to make a swift appointment.
Badagbu acknowledged these concerns and reaffirmed his dedication to peace, unity, and development in the region. He emphasized that building lasting stability requires strong coordination with national authorities and international partners—efforts that necessitated his presence in the capital.
Western Equatoria has been without a permanent governor since the dismissal of former Governor Alfred Futuyo Karaba on February 10, 2025. Under the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, the governorship of the state is allocated to the SPLM-IO political party.