The Greater Mundri community in Western Equatoria State is demanding the creation of a separate state, citing various concerns, including perceived “marginalization and the lack of representation in key government positions.”
In a letter dated October 11, 2023, the Greater Mundri community expressed their strong condemnation of the actions by the deputy governor of Western Equatoria State, Kennedy Gaaniko, toward John Barayona Furula on September 18, 2023. The letter states, “We, the community of Greater Mundri in Western Equatoria State, Yambio, strongly condemn the actions of Kennedy Gaaniko in the strongest terms. He beat and pushed John Barayona Furula out of the highest government position in the state.”
The letter, signed by Silvestor Juma, the chairperson of the Greater Mundri Community Association, also expressed disappointment over the state government’s inaction regarding what the Greater Mundri community views as marginalization and humiliation by individuals in the Western Equatoria State government who do not hail from the Greater Mundri area.
The community raised questions about the fairness of appointing governors in Western Equatoria State, noting that, since the state’s creation, no one from Greater Mundri has ever been appointed as a governor.
Silvestor Juma, the chairperson of the Greater Mundri Community Association, confirmed in an interview with Radio Tamazuj on Monday that the Greater Mundri community had sent a letter to President Salva Kiir Mayardit through Governor Futuyo, urging the creation of a separate state.
Juma emphasized the challenges faced by Greater Mundri community members working in Yambio, stating, “There has been a significant amount of humiliation experienced by the members of Greater Mundri who work in Yambio.”
Juma explained that the Greater Mundri community residing in Yambio had composed the letter, and as their chairperson, he signed and forwarded it to the president through the governor. The letter serves as a peaceful protest by the community, with Juma stating, “So the community demands that the national government, through the Office of the President, addresses the deprivation and humiliation suffered by the people of Greater Mundri. However, in the absence of a clear response, the people of Greater Mundri have requested the president to consider the creation of a new state for them.”
Greater Mundri encompasses three counties, namely Mundri East (bordering Central Equatoria State), Mundri West, and Mvolo (bordering Lakes State). The call for a separate state reflects the community’s desire for increased autonomy and representation in the region.