18 February 2014 - The Western Equatorian government today urged UNMISS, UN agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to work freely in the state, which has remained calm during the South Sudan crisis.

“I urge all NGOs to go anywhere in the state to do their activities because WES is peaceful,” Governor Bangasi Joseph Bakosoro said, speaking at a monthly partners meeting in the capital Yambio.

Conflict erupted in the country’s capital Juba on 15 December 2013 between pro- and anti-government forces and rapidly spread to several other states.

The governor said the organizations should be ambassadors reporting on peace to encourage donors and investors to come to the state.

He lamented, however the state’s bad roads with the rainy season approaching, when most routes would be impassable.

Minister of Physical Infrastructure and Public Utilities Clement Mbugoniwia said his technical staff were assessing road and bridges from Yambio to Nagero County.

The purpose of the partner’s meeting is to share achievements and challenges both the government and NGOs face while carrying out activities in the state.