South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Waure Eddy
The former Minister of Presidential Affairs, Hon. Joseph Bangasi Bakosoro, has urged the people of Western Equatoria State to prioritise agriculture, describing it as the foundation for peace, development, and economic stability.
In an exclusive interview with The Dawn at his residence in Akorogbodi One, on Tuesday, Bakosoro emphasised that farming is not just a livelihood but a solution to hunger, poverty, and insecurity.
“If we cultivate small, we won’t have enough money,” Bakosoro said. “We need to cultivate more hectares, sell some, consume some, and save some for the next season. Let us first check the land and choose the right seeds. We should not plant carelessly.”
Bakosoro stressed that consistent agricultural production can ensure that every household has money in their account “every single moment.” He urged farmers to be strategic in managing their yields, recommending a three-part approach: sell one portion, consume another, and reserve the rest for future planting.
“We cultivate to benefit,” he said. “If we sell everything, we’ll end up buying food again. That’s not sustainable.”
Beyond agriculture, Bakosoro issued a heartfelt plea to those still in the bush, urging them to abandon violence and return home to rebuild their lives and communities.
“My question to those killing people in the bush is: for how long?” he asked. “Come back home. Cultivate something for your family. You go to school to understand and get a job—what is your mission in the bush?”
His message was clear: development cannot thrive in the shadow of insecurity. Farming, education, and community reintegration are the tools for lasting peace.
Bakosoro’s remarks reflect a broader vision for Western Equatoria—one where agriculture is not just a means of survival but a catalyst for transformation. As the region grapples with economic challenges and lingering insecurity, his call to action resonates with urgency and hope.
