By Alan Clement
Senior Western Equatoria State officials on Sunday gathered in Yambio to pay tribute to the late Mr. Simon Al-Taib Jazz Berapai, brother of Governor James Al-Taib Jazz Berapai, uniting three arms of government.
According to the State’s communication unit, the high-level delegation was led by the Deputy Governor, Joseph Justine Marono.
The delegation included the Speaker of the Western Equatoria State Legislative Assembly, members of independent commissions, state lawmakers, heads of organized forces, church leaders, the Mayor of Yambio Town, and representatives of the wider Western Equatoria State community.
According to the governor’s office, Simon Al-Taib Jazz Berapai passed away on Saturday evening in Maridi County and was laid to rest on Sunday evening in Yambio, the state capital.
Speaking on behalf of the government and people of Western Equatoria State, Deputy Governor Marono conveyed an official message of condolence to Governor Berapai and his family, describing the loss as a shared moment of grief for the entire state.
“This is not only a personal loss to His Excellency the Governor and his family, but also a moment of sorrow for the people of Western Equatoria State,” Marono said in statement.
“We have come as a government, united across all institutions, to stand with our Governor and to express our deepest condolences,” he added.
Marono said the presence of the executive, legislature, judiciary representatives, security organs, and faith leaders reflected the state’s commitment to unity and mutual support during times of difficulty.
The Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly echoed the Deputy Governor’s remarks, noting that the assembly joined the executive in mourning the loss and extending sympathy to the bereaved family.
“The Legislative Assembly stands in solidarity with His Excellency the Governor and the Berapai family during this painful moment,” the Speaker said, adding that the late Simon Al-Taib Jazz Berapai would be remembered with respect by the community.
Church leaders who addressed mourners called for unity, peace, and resilience, urging the public to support the Governor and his family through prayers and compassion.
They also emphasized the importance of collective mourning as a reflection of shared values and social cohesion in Western Equatoria State.
Officials said the gathering underscored the continuity and stability of state institutions, even as leaders navigate personal loss, and demonstrated the close relationship between the government and the communities it serves.
Governor Barrister James Al-Taib Jazz Berapai thanked the state leadership, churches, and members of the public for standing with his family, saying their presence and messages of support had provided comfort during a difficult time.
The leadership and people of Western Equatoria State concluded the tribute by offering prayers for the eternal rest of Mr. Simon Al-Taib Jazz Berapai, describing his passing as a loss felt beyond the family and into the wider community.
Mr. Simon Al-Taib Jazz Berapai was laid to rest peacefully in Yambio on Sunday evening.