Western Equatoria State

WES Governor directs commissioners to prioritise security ahead of elections

By Louis Loku Western Equatoria State Governor Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa has directed county commissioners across the state to prioritise security, promote dialogue, and support preparations for South Sudan’s upcoming general elections. The directive was issued during a strategic meeting with commissioners from the state’s 10 counties, where Governor Rimbasa instructed[Read More…]

Deputy Governor urges security forces to protect civilians

By Sabri Dibaco The Deputy Governor of Western Equatoria State, Justin Joseph Marona, has called on all organised forces in the state to uphold their constitutional mandate by protecting civilians and their property, warning security personnel against committing violence against the people they are sworn to serve. Speaking on Monday[Read More…]

Integration of over 1,000 former SPLA-IO defectors begins in Western Equatoria State

By Sabri Dibaco The 1,280 former SPLA-IO defectors began preparation for their integration into the SSPDF, as announced by the governor of Western Equatoria State. Governor Daniel Badagbu describes the move as an important step toward consolidating peace and security in the state and South Sudan at large. Badagbu announced[Read More…]

WES governor urges holdout armed groups to return home

By Louis Loku Western Equatoria State Governor Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa has appealed to holdout armed groups, including forces loyal to Futuyo, to abandon armed struggle, return home, and embrace peace, dialogue, and reconciliation. Speaking during celebrations marking South Sudan’s 15th Independence Anniversary in Yambio on Wednesday, Governor Badagbu said the[Read More…]

WES government to integrate SPLM-IO forces, and recruit 1,200 police officers

By Lodu William Odiya The Governor of Western Equatoria State, Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa, has announced plans to integrate former SPLM-IO forces who defected in 2025 into the national organised forces, describing the move as a major step toward strengthening peace and implementing security arrangements in the state. According to a[Read More…]

Azande Women Welfare endorses empowerment programs for women and girls

By Sabri Dibaco Members of the Azande Women Welfare Organisation have endorsed a series of programs aimed at strengthening women’s economic empowerment, leadership, and community engagement during the organisation’s Annual General Assembly. The resolutions, adopted at the general assembly meeting, include vocational skills training for women, the organisation of a[Read More…]

Over 5,000 beneficiaries receive assistance as Western Equatoria pursues jobs

By Sabri Dibaco The governor of Western Equatoria State says the government is shifting its focus from restoring peace to rebuilding livelihoods. This initiative will be achieved through humanitarian assistance, youth empowerment, job creation, and economic recovery following months of improved security across the state. Speaking to the media upon[Read More…]

Bishop Hiiboro expands digital education through new E-Learning initiative

By Sabri Dibaco The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tambura-Yambio, Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, has officially launched an e-learning program at St. John Paul Institute of Philosophy in Yabongo. This marked a significant step toward strengthening academic excellence and advancing digital education within Catholic higher learning institutions in Western Equatoria[Read More…]

Inter-area football tournament to kickstart in Yambio

By Sabri Dibaco Organisers of the upcoming Yambio Inter-Area Football Tournament have defended their decision to stage the competition at the renovated Gbudue National Stadium and introduce entrance fees, saying the move is aimed at improving security, supporting local football development, and ensuring the tournament’s long-term sustainability. In an interview[Read More…]

Azande Youth conference declared annual event as Yambio to host

By Sabri Dibaco The Azande Globe Conference concluded on a high note with participants reaffirming their commitment to youth empowerment, cultural preservation, innovation, and community development under the theme, “Together We Create, Connect, and Inspire.” The conference brought together Azande youth, leaders, professionals, government officials, Azande elders, and community members[Read More…]

Azande Kingdom launches Palm oil tree planting initiative

By Jackson Gaaniko The Azande Kingdom has launched a major agricultural initiative aimed at planting 35,000 palm oil trees to promote farming, create employment opportunities, and support economic growth in the region. The launch took place on Saturday at the Royal Palace in Bazungua, Western Equatoria State, under the leadership[Read More…]

Azande King urges citizens to embrace agriculture to end hunger

By Sabri Dibaco The King of the Azande Kingdom, Atoroba Peni Rikito Gbudue, has called on citizens to fully embrace agriculture, saying it should become the backbone of the kingdom’s development and a key path toward economic independence. Speaking at the palace while addressing the media, the monarch said farming[Read More…]

Western Equatoria state government delegation visits first deputy speaker

By Jackson Gaaniko The leadership of Western Equatoria State (WES) paid a courtesy visit to the First Deputy Speaker of the National Legislature, Right Honourable Ambrose Lomin Pitia, in Juba on Monday. The delegation was led by His Excellency Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa, Governor of Western Equatoria State and Chairperson of[Read More…]

WES finance minister outlines economic growth plan.

By Sabri Dibaco  The Minister of Finance, Planning, and Investment in Western Equatoria on Wednesday announced a comprehensive plan aimed at boosting economic growth and development across the state. Speaking to the media, Simple John Bakiki highlighted key priorities, including strengthening revenue collection, improving financial management, and investing in productive sectors[Read More…]

Customers in WES raise concerns over MoMo airtime system

By Sabri Dibaco Western Equatoria State Residents voiced growing concerns over the recent shift by MTN to a MoMo airtime purchasing system. The customers cited that current system created challenges for vulnerable groups, particularly elderly people in rural areas. Speaking to the media, some of the citizens said that the[Read More…]

Young Women in Western Equatoria State demand inclusion, stability

By Jackson Gaaniko Young women leaders in Western Equatoria State have issued a strong call for greater inclusion in governance and urgent improvements in basic services and security. The call followed a two-day policy dialogue with lawmakers and government officials in Yambio. The forum was held under the Inclusive Governance[Read More…]

SPLA-IO officers meet WES Governor, urges swift in integration into SSPDF

By Lodu William Odiya Officers of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) in Western Equatoria State have called on authorities to fast-track their integration into the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), citing delays that are affecting their welfare and morale. In a statement by the WES press,[Read More…]