Western Equatoria governor urges opposition leader Futuyo to exit bush for dialogue

YAMBIO – Western Equatoria State Governor Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa has called on all armed opposition leaders, including prominent commander Alfred Futuyo, to abandon their insurgencies and engage in peaceful dialogue, warning that prolonged stays in the bush only bring suffering to civilians.

Futuyo, a senior commander in the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO), served as the state’s governor until his controversial dismissal by President Salva Kiir in February 2025.

Following clashes at his residence in Yambio, Futuyo fled the capital and has since operated outside the formal state government framework alongside allied forces.

Speaking during a public address in Yambio, Rimbasa issued a direct challenge to the armed leaders regarding their long-term objectives and urged them to return to civilian life.

“Get out of the bush! How long will you continue depending on the government? When will you take responsibility for your life—marry, pursue education, or send your children to school?” Rimbasa said. “Stop attacking others while expecting power to come to you. Who are you really serving? It is time to end these games. We are here to provide real leadership for our people.”

Stressing his commitment to clear and decisive governance, the governor emphasized that his administration’s focus must shift entirely toward economic stability and agriculture.

“I did not come here to work in confusion. I came to work straight with you. Enough is enough! We are tired, and this must end,” he said. “It is time to focus on our people: to grow food, support businesses, and ensure everyone has enough to eat. Why are our people dying?”

Addressing the ethnic dimensions often tied to the state’s political divide, Rimbasa singled out Futuyo by name to offer an olive branch and a path back to formal politics.

“There is nothing between Balanda and Zande that the constitution does not cover,” he stated. “To those communicating with Futuyo, tell him I am ready to negotiate for his return.”

The governor also directed his message to other armed actors operating in the region, specifically mentioning forces commanded by Bazangara in the Nandi area, urging them to halt violence against civilians.

“To those speaking to Bazangara, tell him not to terrorize the people in Nandi. To any leader in the bush, tell them to come back,” Rimbasa urged. “Dialogue is open. I will establish and constitute the party council that signed the agreement. Let us talk and find solutions. Why are we making our people suffer?”

Calling for a deeper understanding of the root causes of the state’s localized conflicts, Rimbasa concluded by urging all parties to prioritize the well-being of the population over armed rebellion.

“We need to know who these people in conflict are, the great people who decided to separate, and why they did so,” he said. “Let us end the suffering and focus on peace, development, and the well-being of our people.”