JUBA – The newly appointed Governor of Western Equatoria State, Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa, was on Tuesday officially sworn in and endorsed as the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) State Chairperson in a ceremony that underscored the party’s push for unity and renewed leadership in the state.
The event, held at the SPLM House in Juba, drew senior party officials, national legislators, community leaders, youth representatives, women’s groups, and hundreds of supporters from Western Equatoria.
The gathering marked a pivotal moment for the state, as political leaders and citizens alike expressed hope that Governor Rimbasa’s leadership would usher in peace, reconciliation, and meaningful development in a region that had experienced instability in recent years.
Speaking during the ceremony, SPLM National Secretary General Akol Paul Koordit congratulated the governor and called on him to prioritise the welfare of the people above all else. He emphasised the importance of unity within the party and across communities in Western Equatoria.
“I urge Governor Badagbu to return to Yambio with a mission to restore peace, reconcile differences, and bring together all people under one vision for stability and progress,” Koordit said. He further encouraged citizens who may have distanced themselves from the party to re-engage and contribute to the state’s political and social rebuilding process.
In his acceptance speech, Badagbu thanked the party leadership and the people of Western Equatoria for the confidence placed in him. He pledged to dedicate his tenure to promoting peace, strengthening social cohesion, and upholding the dignity of all residents.
“I am humbled by the trust bestowed upon me. My commitment is to restore peace across the state, unite our communities, uphold the SPLM name, and ensure that every citizen feels represented and respected,” he said.
Among those in attendance were SPLM Second National Chairperson Mary Apai, members of the party secretariat, representatives of the Women’s League, Members of Parliament from Western Equatoria, former Governor James Al-Taib, youth leaders, traditional authorities, and church representatives. Supporters travelled from different parts of the state to witness what many described as a historic ceremony.
Several speakers highlighted the urgent need for strengthened governance structures, inclusive dialogue, and community-driven peacebuilding initiatives. They stressed that sustainable stability in Western Equatoria will depend on collective effort, transparency, and active citizen participation.
Political observers noted that Badagbu’s endorsement as both governor and SPLM State Chairperson signals a consolidation of party leadership in the state.
The dual role is expected to streamline decision-making and reinforce the party’s influence as it seeks to stabilise and rebuild Western Equatoria, a position that has seen frequent dismissals and replacements in recent years.
Badagbu, who has served as the third governor since Alfred Futuyo in February 2025, is expected to return to the state in the coming days, where an official reception is being organised. Party officials have indicated that further details regarding his arrival and initial policy priorities will be communicated soon.
The ceremony concluded with repeated calls for integrity, accountability, and decisive leadership, as residents look to the new governor to translate pledges of peace and unity into tangible improvements on the ground.
