9 September 2015 - Western Equatoria State Legislative Assembly today reopened in the state capital Yambio, following a long recess and the death of Speaker Bage James Elia, who was killed by unknown gunmen last month.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, recently appointed Caretaker Governor Major General Patrick Zamoi urged parliamentarians to help him overcome insecurity and promote peace as well as development in the state.

“I appeal to all of you to join hands and make Western Equatoria State a viable state and to promote) development, peace and co-existence,” said Maj. Gen. Zamoi, who was the first state Governor after the signing of Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005, but was relieved by Presidential decree after three months in office. He was reappointed by another presidential decree last month, replacing former governor Bakasoro Bangasi.

Discussions and speeches at the ceremony focused on insecurity in Western Equatoria and Yambio in particular, which has claimed many lives since security began to deteriorate in Mundri, Maridi, Yambio and Nzara Counties, respectively.

Last May, a Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) solider was killed by unknown gunmen in Mundri County. When the country commissioner and executive director went to the scene, a group of SPLA soldiers opened fire and killed the executive director. Insecurity then spread to the town, leaving over 15 people dead and properties looted in the market.

In June, an unknown person in Maridi County set off a hand grenade in a commercial cattle camp, killing one person and four cows. The cattle owners retaliated, shooting civilians, burning houses and looting shops. The fighting left 13 people dead on both sides.

In Birisi area in Yambio County, SPLA soldiers surrounded the local market, beat up civilians and torched houses, alleging that two youth who were missing had started a camp to train and attack them. Insecurity spread to the town and SPLA soldiers killed two motorbike riders, which was followed by heavy shooting at night.

The conflict between the soldiers and the local community in Birisi left over 20 people dead on both sides. This was followed by revenge killing and burning of bodies until last week.

State Legislative Assembly Speaker Bage James Elia was ambushed last month in another incident and killed by unknown gunmen in his constituency in Gangura Payam in Yambio County.

Maj. Gen. Zamoi stressed that in his new term he would lead the state through policies and programmes that would reconcile communities, enhance security, foster economic growth and promote the private sector to achieve sustainable development in the state.

Acting Speaker of the Assembly Lona Bona called upon parliamentarians to support the Caretaker Governor.

“Let us (keep) in mind that our governor has just come,” she said. “Whatever he presents to this House (about the need) to work together to (ensure) that we have sustainable peace… (let’s) appreciate and take it seriously and support… the leadership of this state and the government of South Sudan for the smooth running of this nation. Our people are really in need of peace and development.”