South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Waure Eddy
The King of Azande Kingdom, Atoroba Peni Rikito Gbudue, on Monday led other dignitaries at a ceremony to lay the foundation stone for the new royal palace in Bazungua payam.
The ceremony which was part of activities celebrating the 3rd anniversary of the Azande kindom was attended by Rt. Rev. Dr. Samuel Enosa Peni, Bishop Barani Edwardo Hiboro Kusala, and other high-level officials from the national and state government including thousands of kingdom royalists from neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.
The laying of the foundation stone in Bazungua payam, marks the beginning of the construction for the long-awaited headquarters of the kingdom. This initiative is expected to enhance administrative efficiency and strengthen the governance structure of the kingdom.
In his keynote address, King Atoroba Peni Rikito Gbudue used the occasion to enact significant legal proclamations aimed at preserving Azande traditions and promoting social harmony.
These proclamations include regulation of traditional marriage customs through categorized marriage fees, strong stance against witchcraft, particularly its use in harming others. In addition, Gbudue called for boosting agricultural production to boost food security.
King Gbudue also told Azande men and women to uphold strong family values and raise more children, while emphasizing the role of stable families in fostering societal growth.
The King also issued a stern warning against criminal activities, particularly drug abuse, citing its negative impact on youth and societal values.
Gen. Augustino Jadalla Wani, Governor of Central Equatoria State, pledged 25 million South Sudan Punds, and Gen. Luis Lobong Lojore, Governor of Eastern Equatoria State, contributed 20 million SSP towards the construction of the royal palace and headquarters of Azande Kingdom.
These contributions are expected to provide a substantial boost to the Kingdom’s efforts in realizing its long-awaited administrative center.
The foundation stone laying event was not just a political and developmental milestone—it was a celebration of Azande unity, heritage and resilience.
The massive turnout from South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and international community reaffirmed the cultural and historical significance of the Azande Kingdom in the broader African landscape.
With construction set to begin, the foundation stone stands as a symbol of a new era for the Azande people, marking a step towards greater organization, cultural preservation, and community development.
