State Governor to Visit Yei County Following Successful SPLM Anniversary Rally

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) is preparing to host top party leaders from Juba in Yei River County this July, marking the second major political gathering in the county within two months.

A reception committee has confirmed it is ready and is mobilising resources for the arrival of the Central Equatoria State Governor Anthony Adil Emmanuel.

The visit will be the first high level SPLM event in Yei since the party celebrated its 43rd anniversary at Yei Freedom Square on 16 May 2026.

That earlier gathering drew hundreds of residents from across the county, including party members, SSPDF officials, community leaders, elders, traditional dance groups and persons living with disabilities.

The anniversary was held under the theme “SPLM stands for peaceful, prosperity South Sudan.”

It commemorated the founding of the SPLM/A in 1983, the liberation movement that fought successive wars in Sudan and later led the struggle that culminated in South Sudan’s independence on 9 July 2011.

Speaking during the May celebrations, the Commissioner of Yei River County, Samuel Henry Malimbo, praised the organising committee for a colourful and peaceful event. He thanked the communities of Yei for turning up in large numbers to commemorate the anniversary.

Malimbo called on armed groups still engaged in conflict to renounce violence and join the peace process, saying war continues to undermine development, education and the wellbeing of citizens.

“War destroys development, affects education, and weakens the morale of citizens,” he said, urging those carrying arms to join the government in pursuit of lasting peace and stability.

The SPLM Secretary in Yei River County, Ale Satimon, urged citizens to honour the heroes and heroines who sacrificed their lives during the liberation struggle. He further encouraged residents to embrace unity and peaceful coexistence among communities despite political and social differences.

The Chairperson of the Yei River County Youth Association, Gaga Frank, called on young people to promote peace and unity as a pathway to development. He also appealed to the government and development partners to invest in youth empowerment through entrepreneurship training, education and skills development programmes aimed at reducing unemployment and improving livelihoods.

The SSPDF Commander in Yei, Brigadier Joseph Garang, urged residents to cooperate with security forces in maintaining peace and security across the county. “Our cooperation as citizens and security organs is essential for peace to prevail,” he said.

Paramount Chief Joseph Brown Lo Mosee called on local chiefs to remain neutral during elections and political campaigns. He advised traditional leaders to uphold fairness and avoid siding with political groups in order to maintain public trust and social harmony within communities.

The Executive Director of Yei River County praised Commissioner Malimbo for organising the event successfully and peacefully. He further urged local government officials and community leaders to uphold professionalism and ethical conduct while carrying out their duties, warning against the misuse of public offices for partisan political interests.

The chairman of the organising committee, Banja, also applauded the communities of Yei for attending the celebration.