YAMBIO – The Western Equatoria State Government in South Sudan on Thursday concluded a three-day Commissioners’ Forum in Yambio with a strong call to strengthen coordination, and uphold good governance.
The state highest forum was held from 9 to 11 December at the Women Empowerment Center in Yambio town.
It brought together County Commissioners from all ten counties to review governance priorities, share experiences, and align county-level development plans with state and national policies.
Speaking during conclusion of forum on Thursday in Yambio, the Acting Governor of Western Equatoria State, Justin Joseph Marona, urged commissioners to act as the main drivers and implementers of Vision 2040 at the grassroots.
Joseph emphasized that the state’s Vision and Mission are derived from the African Agenda 2040 and aligned with South Sudan’s National Development Plan.
“Vision 2040 aims to build a peaceful, democratic, and inclusive South Sudan founded on justice, equal rights, and sustainable development,” he said.
He stressed that achieving these goals requires coordinated planning, effective leadership, and sound financial management across all counties.
Joseph called on commissioners to harmonize development initiatives, warning those uncoordinated efforts could slow progress.
He highlighted the importance of proper land governance, urging counties to clearly manage public, community, private, individual, and communal land to support development projects such as schools, hospitals, agriculture, and industrial activities, and to attract investment.
The Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement, Alison Barnaba, emphasized the role of county administrations in maintaining peace, rule of law, and effective service delivery.
She encouraged commissioners to work closely with traditional leaders, security institutions, and local communities while upholding accountability, transparency, and respect for the law.
Barnaba stressed that strong coordination between the state and county governments is essential for the successful implementation of Vision 2040 and for building public trust in government institutions.
Speaking on behalf of the County Commissioners, Michael Ismail Medi welcomed the guidance provided during the forum, describing it as timely and constructive.
He said the discussions enhanced coordination among commissioners and improved alignment with state and national development priorities.
Commissioner Medi acknowledged challenges faced by counties, including limited resources and capacity constraints, but reaffirmed the commissioners’ commitment to promoting peace, improving service delivery, and advancing development across Western Equatoria State.
The Western Equatoria State Government concluded the Commissioners’ Forum with a call on all county authorities to remain united, proactive, and committed to implementing Vision 2040 for the benefit of the people of the state.
