By Jackson Gaaniko
The Governor of Western Equatoria State, Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa has called on the people of South Sudan to embrace peace, dialogue, and reconciliation as the foundation for lasting stability and development.
Speaking during a peace engagement in Western Equatoria, Governor Rimbasa expressed appreciation to church leaders for their continued role in promoting peace and reminding both the government and citizens of their responsibility to maintain harmony.
“I take this opportunity to thank the church leaders in Western Equatoria for coming forward to remind the Government of the Republic of South Sudan, as well as the people of Western Equatoria especially the state government of the need to commit to peace,” he said.
The governor reflected on the symbolic gesture of the Holy Father, who knelt and kissed the feet of South Sudanese leaders as a call for peace, urging leaders and citizens alike to end violence and embrace dialogue.
Governor Rimbasa reaffirmed his commitment, on behalf of the people of Western Equatoria, to support dialogue initiatives aimed at restoring peace.
He noted that at the national level, His Excellency the President has already established a committee to advance dialogue across the country.
At the state level, he emphasized that Western Equatoria remains fully committed to this process and called on churches to actively facilitate dialogue efforts within communities.
The governor also announced an offer of amnesty to individuals who had taken up arms against the government, assuring them of safety should they choose to return.
“To those who are still in the bush, especially our young people who may have
been misled, I urge you to come back home. You will be welcomed, and your safety is guaranteed,” he stated.
He further called on all leaders and citizens across South Sudan to work collectively for peace, stressing the importance of forgiveness and unity.
“We must commit ourselves to reconciliation. Let us forgive one another and work together to bring lasting peace to our country and stability to our state, which will support development,” he added.
Governor Rimbasa thanked the bishops for their visit and their commitment to peacebuilding efforts in the state, wishing them strength and blessings in their mission.