On Thursday, civil society organisations in Western Equatoria State urged the state government to urgently appoint a commissioner for Nagero County, warning that the prolonged absence of local leadership is affecting governance and service delivery in the area.
The appeal was made in Yambio by Wanga Emmanuel, Chairperson of Civil Society Activists in Western Equatoria State, during an engagement with state authorities at the Governor’s Office.
According to a statement seen by Sudans Post, Nagero County has remained without a commissioner for nearly a year following the removal of former governor Alfred Futuyo Karaba, who later rejoined rebel forces alongside the then-sitting commissioner.
Civil society groups noted that the county only had an appointed commissioner during Futuyo’s tenure, leaving the administrative position vacant since his departure.
Wanga said the leadership vacuum has created significant challenges for local administration, particularly in coordinating security and civil governance structures.
“Nagero County has not had a commissioner for a long time. Appointing a commissioner is essential to bridge the gap between security leadership and civilian administration and to ensure that the needs of the people of Nagero are addressed,” Wanga said.
He added that the absence of a county commissioner has weakened coordination between security forces, civil authorities, and the local population, making it difficult to effectively address community concerns and administrative responsibilities.
Civil society groups also called on the state government to revive development and humanitarian support initiatives in the county. Wanga emphasised that resilience and recovery programs are vital for improving livelihoods and strengthening essential services in communities that have been affected by past conflicts.
While acknowledging the financial constraints facing the state government, he said restoring functioning local governance structures should remain a priority.
Strengthening county-level leadership, he noted, would help improve service delivery, enhance coordination of humanitarian assistance, and support development efforts in the area.
In response, Western Equatoria State Governor Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa assured civil society representatives that his administration would work closely with community stakeholders to promote peace, unity, and development across the state.
Rimbasa said the state government remains committed to collaborating with civil society organisations, churches, community leaders, youth groups, and women’s organisations to ensure inclusive governance and stability.
Nagero County, which borders Western Bahr el Ghazal State, the Central African Republic, and Tambura County in Western Equatoria State, has experienced recurring insecurity in recent years. Residents have increasingly called for stronger administrative leadership and greater government presence to help stabilise the area and improve public services.
