By Kei Emmanuel Duku
The Mundri East Youth League has outlined a list of demands for James Altaib, the newly appointed Governor of Western Equatoria State (WES).
The youth leadership expressed optimism about Altaib’s appointment and a readiness to collaborate on pressing community issues.
The distance from Mundri East and Yambio the state capital of Western Equatorial is approximately 276 kilometers (171 miles) by road however the combination of poor roads and insecurity has historically limited humanitarian and commercial access to communities in the area, leading to economic hardships and shortages of essential goods.
Many of the roads in the areas are in a poor state and can be impassable, particularly during the rainy season. This limits access to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities.
Additionally the region has faced localized conflicts, which have led to the displacement of civilians and disrupted travel.
In a statement, Jennifer Benson Ali, the Mundri East Youth League Chairperson, highlighted critical challenges facing young people in the county. “We are hopeful that your leadership will bring progress, unity, and development to all corners of our great state,” Ali said. “The youth stand ready to collaborate with your administration in addressing the pressing issues affecting the communities.”
The youth league’s primary concerns center on insecurity, which has disrupted livelihoods and displaced families, hindering development and peaceful coexistence. Ali noted that the poor state of roads, healthcare, and communications infrastructure, combined with ongoing security issues, continues to limit opportunities.
Related to service delivery, the statement points to a severe lack of access to quality education where “Many of schools are under-resourced or damaged, with a shortage of qualified teachers and learning materials,” Ali stated. “This is affecting the quality of education and discouraging school attendance, especially in rural areas.”
The group also raised the issue of a severe shortage of youth empowerment and entrepreneurship initiatives, which they say prevents young people from becoming self-reliant.
Despite these challenges, the youth of Mundri East remain resilient and hopeful. Ali said the league is committed to being part of the solution and respectfully requested that Governor Altaib’s governance agenda include youth-focused policies and development initiatives.
“We believe that through inclusive governance, transparency, and meaningful engagement of the youth, our state can progress toward lasting peace, social cohesion, and sustainable development,” he concluded.
The security situation in Western Equatorial State has been a persistent challenge, with localized conflicts and armed clashes in various counties.
This instability has led to the displacement of civilians, forcing many to flee their homes and seek safety in other areas. The ongoing insecurity has severely impacted the lives of residents, disrupting agriculture, trade, and social services, and contributing to a humanitarian crisis in the state.