(YAMBIO) – The Caretaker Governor of Western Equatoria State, Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa, has met with the Chief of Defence Forces, General Santino Deng Wol, to discuss security and the integration of forces in the state.
The meeting focused on the ongoing integration of forces and security coordination in Western Equatoria, according to the Office of the Governor of Western Equatoria State.
Governor Rimbasa described the meeting as fruitful. He said the discussions addressed key issues related to the integration of forces and security in the state.
The One Citizen Daily Newspaper reported in September 2026 that Governor Badagbu met General Wol in Juba to discuss the integration process. The governor thanked the Chief of Defence Forces for speeding up integration in Western Equatoria and discussed the need to advance the process in Greater Mundri.
The governor also raised concerns over insecurity in Mundri East and Mundri West counties. These included road ambushes, the burning of vehicles and looting along the Juba to Mundri road. The security situation in Tambura and Nagero counties was also discussed.
King Media South Sudan reported in August 2026 that General Wol visited more than 3,000 former SPLM-IO forces at Lii-Rangu in Yambio County. The visit was part of efforts to oversee the registration, verification and integration of the former opposition forces into the national army.
General Wol said the visit followed a directive from President Salva Kiir Mayardit to monitor and support the process. He urged the forces to remain disciplined, stay out of politics and focus on protecting civilians.
He announced that the integrated forces would receive uniforms and salaries after their incorporation into the national army.
Radio Tamazuj reported in August 2026 that Governor Rimbasa welcomed the integration process. He described it as an important step toward strengthening peace, security and stability in the state.
The governor commended the former SPLM-IO forces for choosing peace and joining the national government. He urged them to remain disciplined and cooperate with government authorities.
He also appealed to forces that remain outside the national security system to come forward for registration and integration.
“I want to commend these forces for choosing to join the government. Even before their formal integration, they played a role in protecting civilians and defending the country. Now that the integration process is underway, I urge no one to remain in the bush in Western Equatoria State. We need peace, and that is why I have come here. I call upon all the youth and forces still in the bush to come out, embrace peace and participate in the integration process,” the governor said.
The integration of rival forces has been a central part of the 2018 peace agreement. The agreement called for opposition forces to be unified with government troops under a single national command. However, implementation of the security arrangements has faced repeated delays and setbacks.
The process was further complicated by renewed fighting and political tensions after First Vice President and opposition leader Riek Machar was placed under house arrest in Juba in March 2025.
Governor Badagbu was sworn into office on 23rd September 2026 at the Presidential Palace in Juba, following his appointment by President Salva Kiir Mayardit.
President Kiir appointed Badagbu as caretaker governor after dissolving the transitional government and state governments across the country.
Badagbu will lead Western Equatoria during the caretaker period as South Sudan prepares for general elections scheduled for 22nd December 2026.
Discover more from Access Radio®
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
