(YAMBIO, WESTERN EQUATORIA STATE) – Western Equatoria State has renewed calls for armed youth to return home, with an amnesty offer extended to those willing to abandon violence.
Caretaker Governor Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa made the appeal in Yambio, urging young people still in the bush to come home for dialogue.
He encouraged relatives and friends to persuade those involved in armed activities to lay down their weapons.
The governor said his administration would use dialogue to engage those who had taken up arms against their communities, amid security concerns in parts of Western Equatoria including Mundri and Tambura.
“Let them come home. Let them come for dialogue. I’m also giving amnesty to anyone who wants to come,” Badagbu said.
He urged communities to welcome returnees without stigma and help them reintegrate into society.
“Don’t point fingers at them when they come. Welcome them and show them the right path,” he said.
The governor warned that war only brings destruction and poverty, while peace allows communities to rebuild and develop.
He also called on residents to take part in the upcoming elections and vote for leaders of their choice.
In a related development, the governor has instructed Mundri East County Commissioner Mathew Daite Bakiet to remain stationed in Kediba to restore peace and security.
Badagbu urged the commissioner to engage members of armed groups, including the National Salvation Front and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition, and encourage them to leave the bush and return to town.
He also called on the commissioner to reach out to communities in Lakamadi, Lozoh, Witto, Wandi, Minga, Kediba and surrounding areas to promote reconciliation and encourage young people to embrace peace.
The governor commended Mathew Daite Bakiet for his previous service as commissioner and urged him to continue working closely with communities to rebuild trust and strengthen security in Mundri East County.
Elsewhere in the state, the governor has urged Mvolo County Commissioner Stephen Alipayo Clement to unite communities across the county and promote peaceful coexistence.
Badagbu called for unity among communities in Kokori, Bogeri, Bal-grindi, Yeri, Lese and Dari.
He urged local authorities to prevent divisions among residents and strengthen cooperation across payams and bomas.
He also called for efforts to resolve the conflict affecting some residents of Kokori who are crossing into neighbouring states.
The governor urged the commissioner to engage communities in dialogue to address the underlying disputes and restore peaceful coexistence.
He stressed the importance of unity and cooperation in preventing further conflict and ensuring peaceful relations among communities.
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