The governor of Western Equatoria state on Sunday urged residents and community leaders to promote unity, reconciliation and peaceful development, during a church service in the capital, Juba.
Governor Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa made the remarks while attending a service of the Moru congregation in the Gudele 2 area, where he was accompanied by members of his delegation and church elders.
Speaking to reporters after the service, Rimbasa thanked the congregation for what he described as a warm reception and emphasized the role of religious leaders in fostering peace.
“Peace is what we need most. Peace is our strongest weapon — it heals, unites and transforms our communities,” he said.
Rimbasa said progress in Western Equatoria cannot be achieved by individuals acting alone and called for collective efforts guided by community elders and faith leaders.
“We must work together, pray to God and ensure our efforts are guided by wisdom,” he said.
The governor urged residents to protect one another and preserve life, saying the state must move away from conflict and embrace unity and development.
“We must be our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers,” he said. “We must build a Western Equatoria that is vibrant, resilient, capable of feeding itself and free from tribal divisions.”
Rimbasa also praised the Moru congregation for conducting prayers in the Moru language alongside English and Arabic, describing the practice as a way to preserve culture while promoting inclusion among different communities.
Rimbasa was appointed governor of Western Equatoria earlier this month, following the removal of James Ateib Jaz Berapai by President Salva Kiir Mayardit.