By Sabri Dibaco
Deputy governors of Western Equatoria State and Lakes State have agreed to strengthen cooperation on security, trade, infrastructure, and rule of law following a high-level engagement meeting held in Juba.
The meeting brought together Lakes State Deputy Governor Isaac Luka Manga and Western Equatoria State Deputy Governor Justin Joseph Marona, who described the discussions as productive and necessary for promoting peace and economic growth between the neighbouring states.
Speaking to the media, the deputy governor of WES, Justin Joseph Marona, said that the two governments discussed key issues affecting communities along the border, including insecurity, cattle raiding, criminal activities, trade barriers, and poor road connectivity.
“The security of the two states is paramount, and there must be coordination and support from the two governments in maintaining security and order, especially along the border,” Marona said.
He added that both states agreed to work together to normalise relations among border communities and ensure respect for administrative boundaries to promote harmony and peaceful coexistence.
Marona noted that the two states also explored ways to boost trade and economic cooperation by taking advantage of their agricultural and commercial potential.
“Lakes State has potential in livestock, honey, lulu, and other cash crops, while Western Equatoria is endowed with horticultural products and fruits. We agreed that our ministries of trade and industry should work together and explore the creation of an economic or trade zone between the two states,” Marona emphasised.
The deputy governor further highlighted the importance of improving road infrastructure linking the two states, particularly roads connecting Mundri, Yei, Mvolo, and Mapuordit, saying such routes would shorten travel time to Juba and improve market access.
“One of the important roads is the Tapari–Mundri Junction to Yei, Mvolo, and Mapuordit road. This can provide a shorter route to Juba and improve the supply chain for Lakes State,” Marona added.
Marona also stressed that improved connectivity between Western Equatoria and Lakes State would enhance trade flows between towns such as Yambio, Maridi, and Rumbek, contributing to higher living standards and economic growth.
The meeting also resolved that the two states would develop a memorandum of understanding to guide future cooperation, with technical ministries tasked to follow up on agreed action points.
According to Marona, the governors of the two states are expected to meet in Juba before conducting exchange visits between Yambio and Rumbek to strengthen interstate relations.
In his part, the deputy governor of Lakes State, Isaac Luka Manga, described the engagement as a “homegrown solution” aimed at strengthening peace and stability among neighbouring states.
“We needed to engage ourselves as leaders and as governments to develop homegrown solutions for bordering states and create peace, stability, and harmony among our people,” Luka Manga said.
He noted that economic cooperation was critical at a time when the country is facing economic challenges, adding that improved road networks would support trade between Lakes State, Western Equatoria, Central Equatoria and Warrap State.
“We are facing a serious economic crisis in this country, and as leaders, we need to stabilise neighbouring states so that communities can get access to trade,” Luka Manga emphasised.
Luka Manga said Lakes State produces commodities such as honey, groundnuts, and grains, while Western Equatoria has strong agricultural production, including pineapples, bananas, and maize flour.
The deputy Governor also underscored the importance of improving access to health services, particularly through the road connecting Mvolo and Mapuordit.
“Mapuordit is an important health centre where people from Mvolo and other neighbouring areas seek medical services. We need to improve accessibility because good roads reduce insecurity and improve service delivery,” Luka stated.
He called for fair treatment of suspects involved in crimes committed across state borders.
“If somebody commits a crime in either state, the person deserves a fair trial based on the nature of the offense. The government has the responsibility to protect lives and ensure justice.”
The two deputy governors further encouraged peaceful coexistence and urged communities not to take the law into their own hands.
“We need peace, unity, and prosperity for all. Security is a joint responsibility, and we must work together to create a conducive environment for development,” Luka stressed.