By Emmanuel Mandella
Two state ministers and a county commissioner in Western Equatoria State are yet to report to duty, sources have confirmed.
The state officials include Information Minister, Elia Dominic Usini, Minister of Finance, Morris Bazia, and Nagero County Commissioner, Henry Asaya Baangada.
While initial fears pointed to potential political conflicts, Daniel Bagdabu, the Acting Governor of Western Equatoria State, dismissed such claims.
“I have no issues with the missing officials and see no reason for them to hide or flee,” Badagbu said, urging the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO) to hasten the appointment of a permanent governor to seal the top leadership vacuum.
The Acting Governor also appealed for any information regarding the whereabouts of Governor Alfred Futuyo Karaba, whose prolonged absence has added to the state’s uncertainty.
“We call upon Former Governor Futuyo to return to Yambio. His presence is vital for restoring confidence and calm in the state,” he said.
In a separate interview with The City Review, Elia Dominic Usini, the said ‘missing’ Minister of Information and Communication, confirmed that he and his colleagues are alive but fear for their safety.
“I’m still committed to serving the government of Western Equatoria State. The Acting Governor is my boss, and I have no reason to abandon my duties. But the reality is, we are afraid for our lives,” Usini said.
He cited the presence of uncontrolled armed soldiers in Yambio as the main reason behind their absence.
“The rampant, uncontrolled soldiers in the town continue to cause fear. Until there’s assurance of our security, it will be hard for us to return. We agreed with the Acting Governor that once the security issue is addressed, we will come back. We have not abandoned our jobs; we remain committed,” Usini emphasized.
Usini also appealed to the public to avoid hate speech and misinformation, warning that such actions only exacerbate the fear among citizens.
“Let’s work for peace and the betterment of our state. Spreading misinformation creates unnecessary panic,” he urged.
The absence of a substantive governor, coupled with the key officials missing in action, has heightened anxiety in Western Equatoria State. Observers suggest that without clear leadership and effective control of armed forces, the region risks sliding into further instability.
Authorities say they are intensifying efforts to trace the ‘missing officials’, while community leaders and civil society groups are urging swift action to restore confidence in the state government.
As the search continues, residents of Yambio and beyond wait anxiously, hoping for a peaceful resolution and the safe return of their leaders.