Juba, August 15, 2025 – President Salva Kiir Mayardit has urged newly appointed leaders of Western Equatoria State to return home and work towards restoring peace, stability, and social harmony in the troubled region.
Speaking during their swearing-in ceremony at the State House in Juba, President Kiir stressed the weight of responsibility on the new officials to tackle the insecurity that has gripped Western Equatoria in recent years.
The new Governor, James Altaib Berapai, and Deputy Governor, Justin Joseph Marona, were sworn in alongside other national officials, including the Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, James Mawich Makuach, and the incoming Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Yien Chan Ruei.
President Kiir directed Minister Mawich to prioritise access to clean and safe drinking water nationwide. He also urged all appointed officials to work in unity, noting that only through cooperation and commitment can the government meet citizens’ expectations.
The appointments come amid escalating communal violence, displacement, and other security challenges in Western Equatoria. The newly sworn-in leaders are expected to move swiftly to address these urgent issues.