First Elected Governor of Western Equatoria State Returns after Five Years to a Warm Reception in Yambio

Bangasi Joseph Bakosoro, the current South Sudan National Minister of Public Service and Human Resource on December 17, 2020 returned to Yambio, Western Equatoria State to warm reception after five years away; a time he partly spent in Uganda, USA and finally Juba.

In 2015, the South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit issued a decree that led to the removal of Bakosoro, the first ever democratic elected Governor and subsequent arrest and imprisonment at the National Security facility. He spent three months at the facility and was later released without any charge being preferred against him.

Upon his release from detention, Bakosoro left the Country to the neighboring Uganda after which he proceeded to the United State of America (USA). From there, him and other politicians formed a Political and Military movement called South Sudan National Movement for Change (SSNMC) which fought the Government of President Salva Kiir for some years.

Bangasi Joseph Bakosoro who is now the National Minister of Public Service and Human Resources in Juba, joined the government through the Revitalized Peace Agreement which was signed in 2018 in Khartoum, Sudan. The agreement brought together government and opposition leaders who were previously fighting it over claims of poor governance, corruption, nepotism and tribalism.

Speaking to journalists at Yambio airstrip when he arrived, the prominent politician who is a son of Western Equatoria State said that he has come to Yambio after five years to celebrate Christmas with the people of Western Equatoria State and preach peace, reconciliation and forgiveness among the citizens of the State so that they can rebuild their society which been crumbled by the civil war.

A massive crowd filled Yambio town carrying tree branches, jumping, shouting and joyfully singing the Song: Bakosoro weneyee Baira-aparanga, a Zande Song meaning: “Bakosoro people’s leader you’re most welcomed.’’

Seeing him together with General Alfred Futuyo Karaba, Governor of Western Equatoria State on the same land cruiser pick-up as they waved to the massive crowd along the roads throughout Yambio town, many people who spoke to Rurugene Online News expressed that seeing their leaders united is their joy as it raises their hope for the lasting peace that they yearn for in the whole of South Sudan.

Among the places he visited in Yambio included the State Governor’s office, the tomb of King Gbudue, tomb of former Governor, Samuel Abujohn, the tomb of the late Mary Biba, first female Commissioner, the tomb of Late ECSS Archbishop Peter Munde  and the shrine of Bishop Joseph Gasi Abangite at St. Mary Yambio Parish. He also paid a courtesy call to Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, the Bishop Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio.

Bangasi Joseph Bakosoro has served in different levels of government before finally becoming the National Minister of Public Service and Human Resources.

 By Elias Ginana Mangbondo Rurugene correspondent