South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Waure Eddy
The Acting Governor of Western Equatoria State, H.E. Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa, has strongly condemned the recent wave of killings in the state, particularly in Tambura and Yambio counties.
Speaking at the reopening of the State Legislative Assembly on Monday, Rimbasa described the violence as “cold-blooded” and vowed that the government would not stand idly by while innocent lives are lost.
“Western Equatoria will not allow its people to be killed for no reason. Criminals and armed groups must face the law,” he declared.
The acting governor’s remarks come amid a troubling increase in insecurity. In June alone, a series of violent incidents rocked the state:
On June 10, armed assailants attacked a petrol station at 10 PM, killing a soldier and stealing 7 million South Sudanese pounds. That same month, a shop was set ablaze.
On June 29, a police officer and a doctor were ambushed and killed along the Mupoi–Yangiri road.
On June 30, a security guard was shot dead in Yambio’s Napere III residential area by unknown assailants.
Rimbasa emphasised that the state government is working to deploy forces to high-risk areas to restore calm. He also highlighted the broader impact of insecurity on daily life, particularly for traders and commuters.
“Connectivity has become a major challenge. Criminals are everywhere. Those involved in such activities must stop and return home to build a better future with their families,” he urged.
The acting governor called on citizens to embrace peace as the nation prepares for the 2026 general elections. He stressed that violence undermines development and urged communities to resolve disputes amicably.
“Let’s focus on farming, business, and education. We should not create panic among our own people,” he said.
Western Equatoria, once known for its agricultural productivity and peaceful coexistence, has seen a rise in armed violence in recent years. Rimbasa’s administration has pledged to reverse this trend and restore the state’s reputation as a beacon of stability and hard work.
