19 February 2014 - Western Equatoria State unanimously passed an annual budget today of over 170 million South Sudanese pounds (about $60 million) for the fiscal year 2013-2014.

Speaking during the Legislative Assembly sitting, Western Equatoria State Minister of Finance John Russie said the budget had risen by over 40 South Sudanese pounds compared to last year, with more funds for community services and government works.

He said the austerity budget would continue but be gradually lifted if revenues increased to top up oil revenue coming the national government. More developmental activities were expected from the state down to payam (district) levels when the budget was implemented.

Legislative Assembly Speaker Bage James Elisa said anyone who exceeded his/her budget ceiling or misused public funds would be punished with imprisonment of ten years.

The security situation in Western Equatoria State has remained calm after conflict erupted in Juba on 15 December between government and opposition forces and rapidly spread to several other states.

At least 10,000 are estimated to have lost their lives and almost a million forced out of their homes. Western Equatoria has been declared a “green state” for its peacefulness and good security situation.