By Sabri Dibaco
Western Equatoria State Deputy Governor Justin Joseph Marona has called on armed groups and individuals operating in the bushes of the state to abandon violence and embrace peace, unity, and dialogue amid continuing security concerns in Mundri West County.
Marona, who also chairs the SPLM-IO Interim Leadership in Western Equatoria State, made the call during an exclusive interview with Yambio FM on Friday, September 11, 2026, as concerns over insecurity continue to affect parts of the state.
He urged armed actors to lay down their weapons and allow communities to live peacefully.
“I call on individuals and armed groups operating in the bushes of Western Equatoria State to choose peace, unity, and dialogue, and to lay down their arms to allow the people of the State to live in peace and harmony,” Marona said in the statement.
The Deputy Governor said continued insecurity could undermine stability and development in Western Equatoria, stressing that peace is necessary for communities to rebuild and improve their livelihoods.
His remarks come against the backdrop of reported security instability in Mundri West County, where violence and the presence of armed actors have raised concerns among communities and authorities.
Marona also sought to distance the SPLM-IO Interim Leadership from armed activities in the bush, saying the political structure does not have a military wing.
“The SPLM-IO Interim Leadership has no military wing, and it is not responsible for any actions being carried out by anyone in the bush,” the statement reads in part.
He said the interim leadership remains committed to the implementation of the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement, together with the other signatories to the agreement.
As South Sudan prepares for the upcoming general elections, Marona further appealed to citizens to preserve unity and peaceful coexistence.
“I appeal to the people of Western Equatoria State to maintain peace, love, unity, and harmony as the country approaches the elections,” the statement reads partially.
Marona described the elections as a social contract between citizens and their leaders, arguing that citizens have the right to choose their representatives while elected leaders have a responsibility to govern according to the law and remain accountable to the people.
He reaffirmed his support for the December elections and the establishment of a democratic government, saying a peaceful environment would be essential for the electoral process.
The Deputy Governor concluded by emphasising that peace remains critical to Western Equatoria’s stability, development, and the well-being of its population.