WES acting governor, new Maridi caretaker commissioner calls for an end to armed struggle, tribal divisions

By Emmanuel Mandella

Western Equatoria State Acting Caretaker Governor Hon. Abel Sudan has urged residents of Maridi County to register and participate in elections.

The remarks were made during the reception and installation of Hon. Daniel Owudada as the new caretaker commissioner of Maridi County, an event that brought together messages on electoral participation, peaceful coexistence, and the need for collective efforts to build a better future for Western Equatoria State.

Sudan encouraged residents to exercise their voting rights, stressing that their participation in elections would give them an opportunity to contribute to the change they wish to see.

Meanwhile, Owudada appealed to communities across the state to reject tribalism and political divisions, urging those still in the bush to abandon armed struggle and embrace peaceful means of participating in the development of the state and the country.

Sudan, who serves as Minister for Local Government, called on residents of Maridi County to register as voters and take an active role in the electoral process.

He emphasized that citizens should recognize the importance of their votes in determining the country’s leadership and shaping the future they desire.

His message places voter participation at the centre of public engagement, encouraging residents to take advantage of their voting rights rather than remain outside the electoral process.

Voter registration is an important step towards electoral participation because citizens generally need to meet the applicable registration requirements before they can vote. Sudan’s appeal therefore highlights the importance of ensuring that eligible residents take the necessary steps to participate.

In his remarks, newly installed caretaker commissioner Daniel Owudada called on individuals who remain in the bush to abandon armed struggle and embrace peace.

He urged them to join efforts aimed at building a better future for Western Equatoria State and South Sudan, presenting peaceful cooperation as an alternative to continued conflict.

The appeal highlights the importance of reconciliation and dialogue in addressing insecurity and divisions that can undermine community relations and development.

For communities affected by violence, calls for armed groups to lay down their weapons can be an important part of wider peace efforts. However, lasting progress may also depend on credible dialogue, security arrangements, reconciliation initiatives, and opportunities for former combatants to participate peacefully in civilian life.

Owudada’s appeal did not identify particular armed groups or specify whether any formal surrender arrangements or reintegration programmes were being introduced in Maridi County.

Owudada also urged the people of Western Equatoria to reject tribalism and political divisions, calling for unity and cooperation across communities.

His message comes alongside the governor’s appeal for electoral participation, placing peaceful coexistence among the issues highlighted during the commissioner’s installation.

Tribal and political divisions can weaken trust between communities when disagreements are allowed to turn into hostility, discrimination, or violence. Leaders’ calls for unity therefore carry a message about the importance of resolving differences peacefully and respecting people from different backgrounds and political affiliations.

The commissioner encouraged residents to work together towards a common future rather than allow differences to obstruct cooperation.

For such appeals to translate into practical outcomes, community engagement, inclusive leadership, and peaceful political competition remain important. Political differences need not prevent residents from cooperating on shared concerns such as security, public services, education, healthcare, and local development.

The reception and installation of Daniel Owudada marked the beginning of his tenure as caretaker commissioner of Maridi County.

The messages delivered during the event point to several responsibilities for the county’s leadership, including encouraging community cooperation, supporting peaceful engagement, and working with residents to address local challenges.

As caretaker commissioner, Owudada’s leadership will be important in engaging communities and coordinating with relevant authorities on the county’s administrative and development priorities.