President Kiir relieves Governor Jadalla, appoints successor
By Emmanuel Mandella
In a surprise move, President Salva Kiir has relieved Central Equatoria State Governor Gen. Augustino Jadalla Wani on Monday evening and appointed another military officer, Gen. Rabi Emmanuel, as his successor, marking the second consecutive military general to lead South Sudan’s political heartland.
The presidential decree was read on state television SSBC Monday evening, catching many political observers off guard. The leadership change comes less than two years after Gen. Jadalla took office, with expectations of restoring stability to a state repeatedly shaken by clashes, especially on land.
During his tenure, Gen. Jadalla, a veteran of the liberation struggle and former chief military officer, served at a tumultuous period marked by escalating violence in several counties, including Yei, Morobo, Lainya, and Terekeka as armed groups laid road ambushes, alongside inter-communal clashes, and sporadic conflict with holdout rebel factions.
Despite the challenges, Gen. Jadalla’s leadership was praised by some for strengthening civil-military relations and attempting to decentralize services to rural areas. His administration also made strides in infrastructure repair, particularly in Juba and its outskirts.
“It was not an easy road, we saw some road openings and attempts to calm tensions, but the violence didn’t really stop. Maybe this new governor will approach things differently,” said one resident of Central Equatoria State.
Newly appointed Governor, Gen. Rabi Emmanuel, is no stranger to Central Equatoria. He hails from the same region and is known within military circles for his strategic aerial operations, having served as an airforce commander. His appointment signals a continued reliance on security-focused governance in one of the country’s most politically significant but relatively volatile states.
Political observer Sarah Lomoro said the decision reflects the national government’s priority on restoring peace through exchange of hats by military officers. “But the big question is whether this formula is sustainable,” she noted. “Can we govern civilians with individuals with military backgrounds alone?”
The appointment also raises questions about political inclusion and the direction of governance as South Sudan prepares for its long-awaited elections.
For the people of Central Equatoria State, this change brings both hope and uncertainty.
“All we want is peace,” said Angelina Peter, a women’s leader in Lainya. “Whether military or civilian, we need someone who will bring calm to our roads, our markets, and our homes.”
