WES Governor calls for unity and reconciliation during church visit in Juba

By Correspondent

The Governor of Western Equatoria State, Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa, called for strengthening the spirit of unity and community reconciliation and working towards peaceful development during his participation in a mass held on Sunday in Juba.

The Governor attended the service at Moro Church in the Gudele 2 area, accompanied by members of his delegation and church elders. In his address, he emphasized on the importance of the role of religious and community leaders in establishing a culture of peace and rejecting division.

In press statements following the church service, Rimbasa expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome, stressing that peace is the cornerstone of the state’s stability. He said that peace “is the strongest weapon we possess because it unites communities, heals their wounds, and paves the way for positive change.”

He pointed out that achieving progress in Western Equatoria requires concerted efforts between the government and the community, led by local leaders, calling for joint action in a spirit of wisdom and responsibility.

He also urged citizens to protect one another and preserve lives, to work to free the state from conflict, and to build a cohesive and resilient society free from tribal divisions.

The governor commended the Moro community for holding prayers in their local language alongside English and Arabic, considering this a contribution to preserving cultural identity and promoting coexistence among different groups.

Rimbasa was appointed governor of Western Equatoria State earlier this month by President Salva Kiir Mayardit, succeeding former governor James Al-Taib Berapai.

Berapai, who served for six months as governor, recently defended his tenure in office, saying he restored the rule of law and re-establish the three arms of government despite severe financial constraints.

Berapai said he assumed leadership at a moment when state institutions had largely broken down, describing the period as one in which “the rule of law disappeared and the rule of men prevailed.”

According to the former governor, one of his administration’s priorities was to rebuild the executive, legislature, and judiciary, the pillars he said were essential for restoring public confidence and service delivery.

However, Rimbasa is not new to the Western Equatoria State leadership, having served as Deputy Governor and later acting Governor, before he was later removed.