The newly appointed deputy governor of Western Bahr el Ghazal state has promised to work collaboratively with his boss, Governor Sarah Cleto, for the benefit of the people of the state and regardless of his party, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).

Zachariah Joseph Garang, who was appointed in July and replaced former SPLM nominated deputy governor Angelo Taban Biajo, made the pledge while addressing a crowd on Tuesday at the Wau airport upon his arrival to assume his duties.

“I thank you the citizens of Western Bahr el Ghazal for the big turn up that we are seeing now in front of us and we are congratulating and thanking you for your presence here,” Garang said. “We came to you and we want to translate our work into truth as the current state government. It will be a real truth especially to you and we will work together for the interest of all citizens of the state.”

He added: “We have come with messages of unity, love, and peace for the entire population of the state.” 

Rajab Hussein Dayia, the state chairperson of the Sudan African National Union (SANU) party called on the deputy governor to work for the interest of the people. 

“The appointment happened due to the struggle and the unity of the people, not as a political party but as the people of this state,” Dayia said. “We the political parties who are sharing in this unity government are focusing on the issue of South Sudan in general and particularly Western Bahr el Ghazal. Let us work hand in hand for the welfare of the state and the country.” 

For his part, Mohamed Ali Goni, the current state youth minister who represents the Other Political Parties (OPP) in the state government, said they will work with the deputy governor to deliver services to the people.

“We as parties in the unity government who are implementing the revitalized peace agreement welcome the deputy governor such that as a unity government, we work together,” Minister Goni said. “We come from different parties but the state is one and as the people of the state, let us work together to deliver services to our people. We have seen the bitter side of the conflict, let us translate this into development.”

The minister called on his colleagues in the state government to work and provide security to the entire citizens. 

However, Governor Sarah Cleto did not make any comments upon the arrival of her deputy, Zachariah Joseph Garang, whom she received at her office. 

Deputy Governor Garang later addressed a rally of his SPLM party members, the civil population, faith-based groups, and civil society members at the peace ground opposite the SPLM party secretariat where he reiterated that he was going to work in peace with the governor.