The Western Equatoria State Deputy Governor, who led a 30-member peace committee to the region, raised alarm over tribal affiliations within the deployed forces

By Emmanuel Mandella

The Deputy Governor of Western Equatoria State, Daniel Badagbu, has called for urgent reforms in the deployment of security forces in Tombura County, citing the need for impartiality in addressing inter-communal violence in the area.

During a one-week peace mission to Tombura County, Badagbu, who led a 30-member peace committee called (Kubu Moyo), raised alarm over tribal affiliations within the deployed forces, which he said undermines their neutrality and effectiveness in enforcing the rule of law.

“The deployment I observed shows one group, primarily Balanda, stationed in a specific area, while another group, Azande, is also integrated into the force,” Deputy Governor Badagbu said.

“These groups are part of the SSPDF, which raises concerns about their impartiality. That is why I recommended deploying neutral forces to avoid any perception of bias.”

Badagbu, who served as Governor in the now defunct Gbudue State, questioned the redeployment of some security personnel whose names had previously been implicated in the violence in the region in 2021. The Deputy Governor warned that the presence of such forces might erode trust among local communities and hinder efforts to restore sustainable peace.

Earlier in May this year, SSPDF Division 6, under the leadership of Maj. General. James Akech, launched a disarmament operation in greater Tombura Counties, seizing over 1,000 firearms and 15 poisoned machetes.

Despite these efforts, allegations have persisted regarding the role of the some forces in fueling unrest. Local authorities have accused SPLA-IO forces of being the primary instigators of violence in the area, a claim fervently denied by Costa Joseph, the spokesperson for SPLA-IO forces in Western Equatoria State.

“The accusations against us are baseless,” Costa told this publication in a recent interview.

The Deputy Governor’s remarks underline the critical need for impartiality and professionalism in the deployment of security forces to prevent further escalation of violence in Tombura County. His recommendation to deploy neutral forces aims to restore community trust and ensure effective peacekeeping in a region scarred by ethnic tensions.

As Western Equatoria State grapples with ongoing conflict, leaders and stakeholders are being urged to prioritize fairness and transparency in their mandate to promote lasting stability.

“The deployment I observed shows one group, primarily Balanda, stationed in a specific area, while another group, Azande, is also integrated into the force,” WES Deputy Governor, Daniel Badagbu.