Office of the Governor of Western Equatoria State Yambio

𝐂𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐋 𝐒𝐎𝐂𝐈𝐄𝐓𝐘 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐅𝐒 𝐖𝐄𝐒 𝐆𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐎𝐑 𝐎𝐍 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐘, 𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐄 & 𝐇𝐔𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐍 𝐍𝐄𝐄𝐃𝐒

Yambio, January 20, 2026 (WESGPU) – Civil society organizations in Western Equatoria State on Tuesday briefed H.E. Barrister James Al-Taib Jazz Berapai, Governor of Western Equatoria State, on key findings from a recent fact-finding mission to Tombura and other counties.

The delegation led by Wanga Emmanuel, Executive Director of Vision South Sudan and Chairperson of the Civil Society Network, the delegation highlighted the improving security situation in Tombura County, noting a strong community desire for peace and recovery.
However, they raised concerns over unresolved criminal and human rights cases due to the absence of judicial services, calling for the deployment of judges and a solidarity visit by the Governor.

Civil society also drew attention to the humanitarian plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs) still struggling after last year’s violence, as well as emerging insecurity caused by Ambororo normadic in Ibba and Maridi counties ahead of the farming season.

Another major concern was the reported closure of the UNMISS base in Tombura, which has caused fear among residents and IDPs who rely on it for protection and early warning on security treat.
Civil society appealed for inclusive decision-making and broader consultations on issues affecting local communities.

In response Governor Al-Taib assured the delegation that consultations are ongoing to address the concerns raised, reaffirming his commitment to peace, justice, and protection of civilians across Western Equatoria State.

𝐆𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐎𝐑 𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐏𝐀𝐈 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐌𝐒 𝐖𝐄𝐒 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐏𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐈𝐍 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐅𝐎𝐎𝐓𝐁𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓

Yambio, Tuesday January 20, 2026 (WESGPU) – The Governor of Western Equatoria State, H.E. Barrister James Al-Taib Jazz Berapai, has confirmed the State’s participation in the National Peace and Unity Football Tournament scheduled to take place in June 2026 in Juba, describing the competition as a powerful platform for promoting youth engagement, peace, and national cohesion.

The Governor made the confirmation following a high-level meeting in Yambio with football stakeholders led by Hon. Peter Saki from the South Sudan Football Players Association (SSFPA) and the South Sudan Football Federation (SSFF), which focused on preparations and logistics for the tournament.

Governor Berapai pledged full government support to ensure Western Equatoria fields a competitive team, including facilitation for training, accommodation, and players’ welfare.

Officials noted that the tournament will bring together teams from all states and administrative areas, using football to unite youth across political, ethnic, and regional lines. Preparations are already underway, with transport support pledged by SSFPA in partnership with Push Airlines, as Western Equatoria positions itself to showcase talent and promote peace through sport.

𝐆𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐎𝐑 𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐏𝐀𝐈 𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐘, 𝐆𝐎𝐎𝐃 𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐀𝐂𝐘 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐀𝐓 𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐅. 𝐔𝐃𝐎’𝐒 𝐅𝐔𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋

Yambio, January 19, 2026 (WESGPU) – The Governor of Western Equatoria State, H.E. Barrister James Al-Taib Jazz Berapai, has called on sons and daughters of Western Equatoria to live meaningful lives and leave behind a positive legacy for their communities.

Speaking during the final funeral rites of the late Professor Hon. Mathew Gordon Udo, the Governor urged intellectuals to invest in research, improve healthcare systems, promote education beyond employment, and work together to uplift the state to higher standards.

He emphasized unity, sustainable peace, and prosperity, encouraging citizens to embrace development and reject poverty.

Governor Berapai reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare, education, and peace, calling on all citizens to join hands in building a better Western Equatoria.

Meanwhile, Yambio Municipality Mayor, Her Worship Fozia Abbash, urged families to plan and live together in unity, warning against harmful cultural practices such as chasing widows from their homes.

She called on communities to let the death of Prof. Udo unite the Azande and Balanda people through forgiveness and reconciliation.

Speaking on behalf of the Azande Kingdom and the in-laws, Prince Amboribamu Renzi Tombura described the late Prof. Udo as a pillar of unity, peace, and intellectual leadership in Western Equatoria and South Sudan.

He encouraged young people to learn from the late Professor’s life, particularly in resolving family and marital issues peacefully.

Prince Renzi also dismissed propaganda aimed at dividing the Azande and Balanda communities, stressing that Prof. Udo’s marriage symbolized unity between the two tribes and should remain an example of peaceful coexistence.

The ceremony concluded with strong messages of unity, peace, education, and collective responsibility as Western Equatoria honors the legacy of the late Professor Mathew Gordon Udo.

𝐖𝐄𝐒 𝐆𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐒 𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐊𝐄𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐅. 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐖 𝐆𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐎𝐍 𝐔𝐃𝐎

Yambio, January 16, 2026 (WESGPU) – The Government of Western Equatoria State, led by H.E. Barrister James Al-Taib Jazz Berapai, today received the casket of the late Professor Hon. Mathew Gordon Udo, who passed away on January 9 in Juba.

During the reception at Yambio Airstrip, government officials, organized forces, church leaders, and community members paid tribute to the late Professor, describing him as a beacon of unity who worked tirelessly for the common good of the people of Western Equatoria and South Sudan.

The casket was escorted to the State House, where Professor Udo served as Minister of Agriculture, before being laid to rest at his residence in Gangara Emilia Residential Area, Yambio.

The ceremony reflected the state’s respect and recognition of his lifelong contributions to public service and national development.

𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓–𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭

Yambio, January 16, 2026–(WESGPU)- Governor H.E. Barrister James Al-Taib Jazz Berapai has officially received three key fiscal documents from the State Legislative Assembly, the Budget Proposal, Appropriation Act, and Revenue and Financial Act for FY 2025–2026.

The Governor praised the Assembly’s work and stressed that the budget must deliver real services to citizens, particularly in healthcare, education, and food security.
He directed that all state revenues be channeled through the Ministry of Finance and called for transparency, proper revenue systems, and timely payment of civil servants.
Rt. Hon. Speaker Ann Tuna Richard described the handover as historic, noting improved scrutiny, on-time processing, and priorities including service delivery, civil service integration, and accountability.

The handover marks renewed cooperation between the Executive and Legislature as the state moves toward implementing the 2025–2026 fiscal framework.

𝐖𝐄𝐒 𝐆𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐒 𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂 𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐈𝐍 𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐎𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐅. 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐖 𝐆𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐎𝐍 𝐔𝐃𝐎

Yambio, January 15, 2026 (WESGPU) – The Government of Western Equatoria State, under the leadership of H.E. Barrister James Al-Taib Jazz Berapai, has declared Friday, January 16, 2026, a Public Holiday across the state in honor of the late Professor Mathew Gordon Udo.

The government also announced the formation of a funeral committee chaired by H.E. Deputy Governor Justin Joseph Marona.

The body of the late Professor is expected to arrive in Yambio on Friday morning and will be taken to the State Secretariat for viewing by government officials, in recognition of his service to the state before he later served at the national level as an Undersecretary in Juba.

The public has been called upon to turn out at Yambio Airstrip to receive the body in solidarity and to pay tribute to Professor Udo’s lasting legacy in Western Equatoria State and across the country.

𝐖𝐄𝐒 𝐆𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐌𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐒 𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐅. 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐖 𝐆𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐎𝐍 𝐔𝐃𝐎

Yambio, January 14, 2026,(WESGPU) – The Government of Western Equatoria State has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of senior academic and public servant Professor Mathew Gordon Udo, who died in Juba on January 9, 2026.

In an official condolence message, the Governor, Deputy Governor, and the entire State Government extended heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family, colleagues, and the people of Western Equatoria.

The late Professor Udo was described as a dedicated public servant whose contributions, particularly in the Ministry of Agriculture, left a lasting impact on the State and the nation.

The government conveyed solidarity with the family and ministry staff during this difficult time and reaffirmed its commitment to honoring his legacy through continued service, unity, and development of Western Equatoria State.

"WE ARE MAKING HISTORY”: GOVERNOR BERAPAI SWEARS IN NEW GOVERNMENT, CALLS FOR PEACE, UNITY AND DEVELOPMENT

Yambio, January 13, 2026 (WESGPU) – Western Equatoria State has officially inaugurated a new government, with Governor H.E. Barrister James Al-Taib Jazz Berapai administered the oath of office to newly appointed ministers, members of independent commissions, and county commissioners.

Addressing the ceremony, the Governor described the occasion as a defining moment in the State’s history and urged leaders to embrace servant leadership.

“Today we are not just forming a government; we are making history,” he said, stressing that peace and security remain the foundation of development.

He reaffirmed that stability, unity, and social harmony are top priorities, alongside roads, agriculture, education, health, and service delivery.

Deputy Governor H.E. Justin Joseph Marona praised the appointments as timely and patriotic, calling on officials to deliver results, especially in education and security.

Speaker Rt. Hon. Ann Tuna Richard welcomed the new leadership, demanded accountability for the approved budget, and urged greater inclusion of women in leadership.

New ministers pledged reforms and unity, with Agriculture Minister Hon. Nagomoro Brigade Simon vowed to fight hunger and protect the environment, and Education
Minister Hon. Gibson Bullen Wande committed to improve the education sector through teamwork.

County commissioners echoed calls for peace beyond politics and tribe, emphasizing dialogue over violence.

The ceremony concluded with prayers and renewed commitment to unity, service, and development across Western Equatoria State.

𝐆𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐋-𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐁 𝐏𝐀𝐘𝐒 𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐁𝐔𝐓𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄𝐅 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐀 𝐒𝐀𝐊𝐎, 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐌𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐈𝐓𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐀𝐙𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐄 𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐃𝐎𝐌

Madebe, January 12, 2026- [WESGPU]- The Governor of Western Equatoria State, H.E. Barrister James Al-Taib Jazz Berapai, has conveyed heartfelt condolences from H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit to His Majesty, the King of the Azande, following the passing of late High Chief Marona Sako of Madebe Payam, Ibba County.

Speaking at the memorial gathering, Governor Al-Taib said the delegation had come to honor the life, service, and legacy of the late chief, describing him as a respected son of the Azande Kingdom and Western Equatoria whose leadership left a lasting impact on his community.

The Governor also recalled his role in chairing the High-Level Committee that restored the Azande Kingdom, calling it one of the proudest achievements of his public service and noting that the Kingdom belongs to all the people of Western Equatoria.

Concluding, Governor Al-Taib urged the people of Ibba, Madebe, and the entire State to protect, uphold, and strengthen the Azande Kingdom, emphasizing unity, dignity, and shared responsibility for its future.

𝐆𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐋-𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐁 𝐏𝐀𝐘𝐒 𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐅𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐘 𝐎𝐅 𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐅. 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐖 𝐆𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐎𝐍 𝐔𝐃𝐎

Yambio, January 11, 2026 (WESGPU) – The Governor of Western Equatoria State, H.E. Barrister James Al-Taib Jazz Berapai, today paid a solidarity visit to Gangara Emilia, the residence of the late Professor Mathew Gordon Udo (RIP), to convey condolences and honor the legacy of the distinguished public servant.

Governor Berapai described the late Prof. Udo as “a dictionary and a great asset” to Western Equatoria, South Sudan, and the entire Sudan, recalling his service as State Minister of Agriculture in Western Equatoria State in 2009 and later as Undersecretary at the National Ministry of Cooperatives in Juba.

The Governor extended condolences on behalf of his administration and called on the public to stand with and support the bereaved family during this difficult time, emphasizing the importance of unity and compassion in moments of loss.

Attached is the picture of Late Professor Mathew Gordon Udo.

𝐆𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐋-𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐁 𝐏𝐀𝐘𝐒 𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐁𝐔𝐓𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐈𝐁𝐁𝐀 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐌𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄𝐅 𝐈𝐍 𝐌𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐁𝐄

Madebe Payam, January 6, 2026 (WESGPU) – The Governor of Western Equatoria State, H.E. Barrister James Al-Taib Jazz Berapai, on Tuesday stopped in Madebe Payam while returning from Ibba County to Yambio to extend solidarity to the family and community of the late Paramount Chief of Ibba County, Prince Marona Sako, who was laid to rest there.

Governor Al-Taib characterizes the late Prince as a symbol of peace, unity, and a diligent leader, urging the citizens of Madebe and Western Equatoria State to emulate the example set by the late Prince, who consistently dedicated himself to the welfare of his people.

The Governor was accompanied by Rt. Hon. Speaker Ann Tuna Richard, the First Lady, SSPDF Division Commander Maj. Gen. Joseph Manyuot, heads of organized forces, state ministers, lawmakers, and Paramount Chief of Maridi County Prince Daniel James Bakindo, underscoring unity and respect for traditional leadership across the state.