South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
The Governor of Western Equatoria State, James Alteilb, was officially sworn in as the SPLM Chairperson for the state on Wednesday, in a ceremony overseen by SPLM Second Deputy Chairperson Mary Apayi Ayiga.
This event marked a significant moment in the party’s efforts to strengthen political leadership and enhance service delivery at the state level.
During the swearing-in ceremony, Mary Apayi expressed confidence in Alteilb’s ability to guide the state towards peace, unity, and improved public service.
“We believe in Governor Alteilb’s leadership to drive our vision of stability, unity, and development,” she said. “Western Equatoria deserves a government that delivers on the promises of the SPLM, and we are confident he will not disappoint.”
Meanwhile, SPLM Third Deputy Chairperson Jacob Yangi echoed similar sentiments, urging the new state chairperson to prioritise grassroots engagement.
“We urge the new chairperson to deepen ties with communities and promote unity from the grassroots,” Jacob stated. “The SPLM must be felt in every village and town, and that starts with inclusive leadership.”
SPLM Secretary General Paul Lugali reaffirmed the National Secretariat’s commitment to supporting the party’s activities in Western Equatoria, particularly in preparation for the post-independence elections scheduled for December 2026.
“The Secretariat will stand firmly behind all state structures to ensure the SPLM is well positioned for the upcoming elections,” Lugali declared.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Alteilb expressed gratitude to the SPLM leadership for their trust, pledging to lead with transparency and inclusivity.
“I am honoured by this responsibility. I will work tirelessly to unite our people and lead the transformation of our party in the state,” Alteilb said. “Together, we will build a stronger Western Equatoria.”
Earlier this month, President Salva Kiir appointed James El-Taib Berapai, a member of his party, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Government (SPLM-IG), as the new Governor of Western Equatoria State, nearly six months after dismissing Alfred Futuyo, in glaring violation of the peace agreement.
Under the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), the Western Equatoria gubernatorial position is allocated to the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO), led by detained First Vice President Riek Machar.
