CES Approves Rural Development Bank

(JUBA) -The Central Equatoria State Council of Ministers has approved the establishment of a State Rural Development Bank aimed at expanding access to financial services and supporting cooperatives, agriculture, and other productive economic activities across the state.

During its 12th sitting of 2026 chaired by Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony in Juba on September 17, the council also formed a ministerial committee to review the partnership agreement between the state government and China Jiangsu International Economic and Technical Cooperation Group Limited. Meanwhile, a proposed policy framework for the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports was deferred for further review during the next council meeting.

The council further received a security briefing indicating that the general security situation across Central Equatoria State remains relatively calm, despite isolated pockets of insecurity. Concern was raised over reported clashes involving fragmented SPLA-IO elements in Morobo County that continue to affect local communities.

The ministers called on all parties involved in the fighting to immediately cease hostilities and embrace peaceful dialogue. The council emphasized the importance of peace, stability, and civilian protection as South Sudan prepares for the forthcoming elections. The resolutions were communicated to the media by Honorable Bush Buse on behalf of the State Minister of Information and Communication.