The Governor of Western Bahr el Ghazal State, Emmanuel Primo Okello, has called for transitional justice and a national dialogue as key steps to healing the divisions and hatred among South Sudanese created by the civil war.
The governor made the remarks while addressing journalists on Tuesday about the public’s demands for credible elections to take place and said it is paramount to promote unity among citizens since the social fabric has been destroyed by the tribal conflict.
“We cannot build a peaceful future unless we sit down as South Sudanese and openly talk about our past, the pain, the mistrust, and the suffering we endured,” said Okello.
Speaking for the first time about the political situation in the country after being appointed governor, he emphasized the need for a wide-ranging dialogue at all levels of society, from local communities to national leadership, for proper reconciliation.
“Dialogue is the only way forward because it is time we accept each other as one people and leave behind the bitterness that continues to divide us,” he added.
The governor highlighted that the devastating conflict that started in 2013 has created hopelessness among citizens. He reiterated the state government’s commitment to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to streamline political neutrality and prevent interference from biased or isolated interests, warning that political manipulation continues to threaten peace and stability in the region.
“Western Bahr el Ghazal, and indeed all of South Sudan, cannot afford to be a battleground for political interests. We need peace to rebuild and benefit from our natural resources,” Okello stated. “South Sudan has become a laboratory of social division and political incongruity.”
The governor, however, expressed hope that with premeditated dialogue and education, the people can restore trust and national solidarity.