Adil Starts New Term With Call for Unity and Peace

(JUBA) – Governor Emmanuel Adil received a warm and cheerful welcome at the Central Equatoria State Government Secretariat in Juba, where government officials, religious leaders, civil servants and members of the public gathered to greet him after his swearing in. The ceremony took place a few hours after President Salva Kiir confirmed his return to office.

The Vice President of South Sudan, Prof James Wani Igga, who took the oath of office earlier in the day, attended the reception as guest of honour.

He said peace remains the foundation for progress and urged leaders in the state to work together to deal with insecurity. He pointed out that President Kiir has asked Governor Adil to make stability his main priority.

Vice President Igga said communities need peace in order to farm and rebuild their lives. He added that those who are still displaced or living in refugee camps should feel safe enough to return home.

In his remarks, Governor Adil laid out four priority areas as he starts his second term. These include strengthening peace and security, reorganising and improving the image of Juba City, supporting agricultural groups, and improving social services such as roads, schools, water points and health centres.

He called on the people of the state to work together and show respect to both current and former leaders. He issued an instruction for all government and social gatherings to uphold this respect as part of strengthening unity and cooperation among state leaders.

Adil said he will work closely with the cabinet, parliament, security agencies and other partners to improve governance, advance economic recovery, support women and young people, and address both social and security challenges across the state.

He appealed to the armed groups still outside the peace process to consider dialogue. He said fighting destroys lives and slows down development at a time when the state needs stability to move forward.

The governor also thanked President Kiir for giving him another chance to lead Central Equatoria State. He said he plans to complete the work that remained unfinished during his first term.

The Acting Speaker of the State Transitional Legislative Assembly, Isaac Aloro, assured the governor of parliament’s support. He called for the reopening of parliament after a long break and said better cooperation between the executive and the legislature will help improve service delivery.

The immediate former governor, Rabi Mujung Emmanuel, said the state continues to face major challenges, including an inactive state parliament, insecurity in several areas, and the encroachment of some parts of the state by armed groups. He urged Governor Adil to focus on unity and work with religious leaders, youth, and women to address social issues. He also encouraged the public and officials to support the governor.

Another former governor, Augustino Jadalla Kamilo, said the state needs a new political start and encouraged Adil to unite the people and consider measures to improve women’s representation in government. He also called for stronger security to protect communities and their property.

Jadalla warned the governor to avoid being influenced by people who spread rumours and seek to create division. He praised the cooperation shown by former governors, describing it as an important sign of responsible leadership.

The event included traditional dances and brought together senior officials from both national and state levels. Three former governors attended, including Juma Ali Malou, which many attendees said showed a growing sense of unity among leaders in Central Equatoria State.

Former Governors Join Adil in Appeal for Peace