The government of Western Equatoria State on Friday permitted the opposition SPLM-IO to raise their flag again on Saturday, marking a step toward restoring calm following recent tensions and insecurity in the state.
The removal of the flag follows President Salva Kiir’s dismissal of Gen. Alfred Futuyo Karaba, the former governor of Western Equatoria State and a member of the opposition SPLM-IO led by First Vice President Riek Machar.
On Monday evening, President Kiir issued a series of decrees unilaterally removing several senior government officials appointed under the terms of the 2018 peace agreement.
In the wake of this decree, the governor’s residence was attacked by groups allegedly linked to the SSPDF, forcing Gen. Futuyo to leave Yambio. He is now reportedly with his forces at one of the SPLA-IO cantonment sites, having fled the state capital out of fear for his life.
The government of Western Equatoria State, now led by Acting Governor Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa, has reassured SPLM-IO members that they may once again raise their flag, which had been taken down following the removal of former Governor Alfred Futuyo Karaba.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Friday, Mary Osman, the SPLM-IO Secretary in Western Equatoria, confirmed that the flag was taken down when security forces arrived after President Kiir’s removal of the SPLM-IO-appointed governor.
“Our flag was taken down when military personnel arrived. They were following orders to remove another flag, and in the process, our flag was also taken down. Since then, our members have been uncertain about whether it would be safe to raise it again,” Osman said.
Osman expressed concern that, even if the flag is raised, it might be removed once more.
In response, Wakila Charles Abudu, the Speaker of the Western Equatoria State Legislative Assembly, reassured SPLM-IO members, confirming that the flag would be raised again in Yambio after order was restored.
“During today’s briefing with the acting governor, we were informed that the flag has been reinstated. The Minister of Cabinet Affairs confirmed this to us. Leadership changes in any government are normal. The removal of a governor is within the President’s prerogative, and it should not cause panic. Even in Central Equatoria, Governor Adil Emmanuel Adi was replaced by Jadalla, and life went on as usual. What matters now is that the flag has been restored, and removing it again would not be acceptable,” she emphasized.
Meanwhile, John Bariyona Furula, the Minister of Cabinet Affairs, affirmed that the acting governor had fully assured SPLM-IO members of their right to raise the flag, calling the decision an achievement for the state government in promoting unity and political stability.
Acting Governor Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa further assured SPLM-IO members that the government is committed to restoring trust and stability.
“We understand that some members feel threatened or uncertain, but we are working to restore their confidence. We have informed them that their flag was taken down by unknown individuals, but we have now assured them that they can raise it again. Their office must remain operational, and they should engage with media houses to communicate this message to the public,” Rimbasa concluded.