By Ajah Jennifer

Outgoing Governor of Western Equatoria State Augustino Jadalla has offered wellwishes and support to the incoming governor Rabi Emmanuel, urging for political goodwill and cooperation from the people.

Speaking during the transition ceremony, Jadalla expressed confidence in the leadership capabilities of Gen. Rabi, urging the people of Central Equatoria to rally behind their new leader. “We are gaining a leader who understands our challenges,” he said, emphasizing the new governor’s strategic thinking, patience, and shared history with him that dates back to the 1960s—from primary school to military college.

Jadalla called for sustained collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government, exhuding confidence that with their experience they should offer good synergy for ease of coordination with the new leader.

While assuring continued support and willingness to offer guidance when needed, the former governor humorously noted the striking resemblance between himself and Rabi, referencing a social media post that described the transition as “just a name change.”

The former governor highlighted major issues awaiting Gen. Rabi’s leadership, including; Insecurity in Greater Yei and Cattle Migration Conflicts. He also mentioned land disputes around Juba, describing them as a “disease.”The former governor introduced Rabi to a committee where he served as co-chair and which was focused on such issues. He encouraged Gen. Rabi, who will also assume the co-chair role, to continue with the committee’s work to bring lasting solutions.

Jadalla’s journey

Jadalla exists Central Equatoria with yet another had on his professional career. In the early year of his political career, he served as the Deputy Minister of Interior & Wildlife Conservation between 2013-2015. He was appointed as the Governor of Jubek State in December 2015 until the state was dissolved in 2020. Kamilo was then decreed in May the previous year.

During his leadership, his core strategies focused on economic growth, infrastructure, Peace & unity with, his first 100 days including overhauling the financial management, banning of unauthorized spending, centralizing all state expenditures via the Ministry of Finance, boosting office budgets by 500%, and moving cash management to banking systems.