Western Equatoria State Governor James Al-Taib Jazz Berapai has said his administration has made “major strides” in restoring government institutions, strengthening peace, and rebuilding public confidence during its first 100 days in office.
Speaking to the media in Yambio on Friday after a cabinet meeting, the governor said he inherited government structures that were “weak and inactive,” but reforms launched over the past three months have begun to restore the rule of law and functional service delivery.
Governor Al-Taib reported several key institutional changes, including regular executive meetings now convening in line with the law, and that the state parliament, which had been inactive for years, has resumed debates and oversight functions.
The governor added that the judiciary has been reorganized and that courts are now operating under proper legal procedures.
He said these steps represent “the return of accountability, transparency, and functional governance” in Western Equatoria State.
First functional budget in five years
The governor announced that his administration has drafted and submitted the 2025–2026 state budget, describing it as the first functional budget in the past five years.
He called it a “transparent and realistic framework” that will guide development priorities across the state.
Al-Taib said peacebuilding remains his top priority, noting that several counties have embraced reconciliation after years of communal and political tensions.
“Maintaining stability is crucial for development, humanitarian access, and preparing for the 2026 national elections,” he emphasized.
The governor said public trust has improved due to consistent communication, community consultations, and open reporting on government activities.
He noted renewed cooperation with national ministries and international partners in health, agriculture, education, and infrastructure. He appealed for continued support to accelerate reforms.
The governor listed key upcoming activities like county assessment visits to all ten counties, strengthening peace and social cohesion among communities, and improving basic services such as health, education, clean water, and food security.
He listed boosting agriculture, investment, and youth employment, and preparing the state for the 2026 elections, administratively and politically, as the other priorities.
“Our goal is a peaceful, stable, and productive Western Equatoria where every household can live with dignity,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Acting Information Minister James Abdallah Arona said all ten counties are now calm, with the security the situation “relatively peaceful.”
He confirmed that the 2025–2026 draft budget has been discussed and passed by the council of ministers and that the appropriation bill and proposed tax schedule have also been approved.
“The documents will be finalized by the Minister of Finance and submitted to Juba within two weeks,” he said.