Ezo Community Welcomes SPLM Leadership Return in Western Equatoria

The community of Ezo County has expressed heartfelt gratitude and relief following President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s decision to restore leadership of Western Equatoria State to the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM).

During Peaceful demonstration on Feb 24, 2025 demanding WES back to SPLM

By Waure Eddy

The community of Ezo County has expressed heartfelt gratitude and relief following President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s decision to restore leadership of Western Equatoria State to the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM). This move has been warmly welcomed as a significant step towards stability and progress in the region.

This change comes in the wake of the removal of former Governor Alfred Futuyo Karaba of the SPLM-In Opposition (SPLM-IO) on February 10, 2025, and the subsequent appointment of Hon. James Altaib as Governor under the SPLM ticket.

On February 24, 2025, residents of Ezo County mobilised en masse to peacefully petition the President, calling for a leadership transition from SPLM-IO to SPLM . Their banners conveyed messages such as “Time for SPLM to rule us in WES” and “We need WES back to the SPLM party.” The community cited deteriorating security, tribal divisions, and restricted movement under SPLM-IO leadership as key reasons for their appeal.

Speaking to The Dawn on Sunday Hellen Mario Gaza, a resident of Ezo, expressed her joy: “During the leadership of SPLM-IO, we suffered greatly. There was no free movement, killings were rampant, and tribalism thrived. We need our new governor to unite us.”

Suzan Pater Ueko, a farmer from Ezo, praised the President’s decision: “We thank our President for his foresight. By returning WES to the SPLM, the mother party, peace has already begun.”

Local chief Jorom Aniue echoed these sentiments, recalling the hardships endured under SPLM-IO: “Innocent people died, thousands were displaced, houses were burned, and ambushes, rape, looting, and abductions were widespread. God bless our capable President for his decision.”

Justin John, a youth representative from Ezo, emphasised the importance of unity: “We, the youth, appreciate the President’s decision. We need peace, unity, and togetherness. Our Governor should address the current issues in WES.”

County Commissioner Col. Hon. Abel Sudan confirmed that he authorised the peaceful demonstration on February 24, stating:

“My communities in Ezo and WES at large need peace and free movement. I approved their peaceful demonstration, and at last, WES is back under SPLM, the ruling party in South Sudan.”

Hon. Abel also commended the President for appointing Governor Altaib, noting that the previous administration had fostered tribalism and division between the Azande and Balanda communities.

The appointment of Hon. James Altaib as Governor was made official through a Republican Decree announced on the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) on Thursday.

This decision marks a significant political shift in Western Equatoria State, with many residents hopeful for renewed peace, unity, and development under SPLM leadership.

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