JUBA – Sections of residents of South Sudan’s Western Equatoria State on Thursday expressed mixed reactions to the sacking of state governor, Gen. Alfred Futiyo Karaba.
Speaking to Sudan’s Post, some individuals had conflicting opinions. While some advocated for women to be nominated as new governors, others were against it, questioning their ability to perform in such a harsh setting.
Western Equatoria State Governor position has been vacant after President Kiir relieved Gen. Alfred Futuyo Karaba on10th February from position without replacement.
The Western Equatoria governorship position was allocated to the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO), in accordance with the 2018 peace deal.
Mundri East youth leader, John Sylvester urged the SPLM-IO Party to propose a woman for the role, stating that women are peacemakers.
“Western Equatoria has long been a region where the voices of women have been underrepresented in leadership roles; prioritizing a qualified and capable female candidate for this position (Governorship) would not only serve to empower women within the state but would also send a strong and much-needed message of gender inclusivity to the broader political landscape of South Sudan,” John said.
According to him, the SPLM-IO and other political parties ought to support gender equality by appointing women in political posts.
Another Mundri resident who spoke on condition of anonymity, claimed that women have failed this nation and shouldn’t be in this role.
“Western Equatoria cannot be governed by a female candidate at this critical time,” he said.
Another citizen in Tambura only identified as Jackson said, women can’t manage this state at the critical situation where there is tension among peace parties especially the military wing.
Another Tambura resident who identified himself as Jackson, for fear of security, stated that women are unable to run this state in the current dire circumstances of friction between the peace parties, particularly the military wing.
According to him, Western Equatoria needs a guy with a strong command and political background to organize and bring the SSPDF and SPLA-IO forces together.
“At this critical time, we need a strong man who is a soldier, a general who can command these forces fighting, both SPLA-IO and SSPDF, because we cannot continue in such situations as citizens; we need peace so that we can cultivate,” Jackson said.
