Jadalla, Council of States Discuss Governance and Development Coordination

(Juba) – The First Deputy Speaker of the Council of States, Rt. Hon. Mary Ayen, led a high level delegation to meet with Central Equatoria State Governor, H.E. Gen. Augustino Jadalla Kamilo Wani, on Thursday, June 12, 2025. The visit was part of a broader effort to strengthen cooperation between national and state leadership in South Sudan.

Also present at the meeting was the State Deputy Governor, H.E. Paulino Lukudu Obede. The discussions centered on how to deepen collaboration between the two levels of government in order to address challenges facing the state and its citizens.

The leaders focused on several pressing issues, including the need for joint action to stop illegal land grabbing and to resolve challenges related to the taxation system. Both issues have continued to affect local governance and public trust across various parts of Central Equatoria.

Governor Jadalla and Deputy Speaker Ayen agreed that closer coordination between the Council of States and the state government is essential to developing sustainable solutions. They emphasized that institutional cooperation must be strengthened in order to build efficient governance structures and improve the quality of services delivered to the public.

During the talks, both parties highlighted the importance of intergovernmental collaboration, not only to confront current challenges but also to accelerate development programs aimed at improving livelihoods. They committed to working closely to promote transparency, protect citizens’ rights, and ensure that policies are implemented in a way that reflects the needs of the communities.

While no financial figures were disclosed or agreements signed during the meeting, officials from both sides underscored their political will to translate dialogue into action. The visit was also seen as a gesture of respect and unity, reinforcing the shared responsibilities between national and subnational leaders in shaping South Sudan’s development path.

Observers from the Central Equatoria State Governatorial Press Unit reported that the atmosphere of the meeting was cooperative and forward-looking. The session concluded with a mutual pledge to maintain regular communication between the state and the Council of States, in order to improve legislative and administrative coordination.

The leadership of both institutions recognized that tackling issues like land grabbing and tax related disputes requires not just enforcement, but also policy reform and community engagement. They signaled readiness to engage technical teams, lawmakers, and stakeholders to craft long-term strategies rooted in consultation and the rule of law.

Hon. Mary Ayen and CES governor Augustino Jadalla Wani (Photo by CESGPU)