W. Equatoria Jubilant Christians in Juba greet first Governor Elect

May 3, 2010 (JUBA, Central Equatoria) — The emotional reaction of WES faithful in Juba to the news of Col Bakosoro’s election last April revealed that passion still surrounds the issue of change.

Col Bakosoro secured a convincing victory over his SPLM rival, Mrs. Jemma Nunu Kumba, in a historic election, to become the first Independent Governor-elect of Western Equatoria State (WES).

The Bishop of Mundri Diocese, Bismarck, said on Sunday: “This is a day that I honestly never dreamed I would see,” adding that Bakosoro election was a great day not only for WES but the entire Sudan.

“Sudan is witnessing the breaking down of walls that human sin has erected for centuries. The Spirit of God is moving to remove barriers of race (tribalism), gender, and misunderstanding to raise up leaders who work to fulfill God’s vision for all of God’s children,” he further said.

Bismarck said the former government due to the rampant insecurity in the region guided the local population “based on fear” during the last two years. “We’ve lost the ability, part of the genius of our society, to be a hopeful people.”

“I didn’t really realize it fully until now, but I haven’t felt the slightest bit of hope for [our] state in over 5 years since the CPA was signed. Too many deaths, too much tribalism. It only takes a very little hope to make one realize how little hope one has had before, screamed a member of Anglican Church in Juba “Even if I have to be ashamed of our past, how do you change that?”

A catechist said no reason to be ashamed by the turbulent recent past as people have to look forward and choose a different future without being affected by their painful past.

“Poor Bakosoro, what a wonderful burden to bear,” he added.

Western Equatoria Governor Elect, Col Bangasi Joseph Bakosoro, reiterated his three areas of priorities he hopes to tackle in his first hundred days in office, Security, unity and ethnic divisions

Col Bakosoro vowed to improve security in Western Equatoria by being on the forefronts of removing LRA rebels and Ambororo (nomads) that have terrorized the region for the last four years.

Col Bakosoro pledged to reunite the people of Western Equatoria after two years of hatred and divisions among WES’s main tribes and others – Western Equatoria has been rocked by ethnical division, which saw the Moru people calling for a separate State to be known as Amadi.

The tribal issues have strained relationship and co-existence among the eight ethnic groups in Western Equatoria.

He also promised to form a representative government which will embrace unity of WES people.

Col Bakosoro urged WES people to forgive and forget the past, especial the differences of elections campaigns – “my fellow brothers and sisters, we should refrain from personal grudges and hatreds to redefine and change the shape of WES people, this will who to the whole world and our adversaries that, we are peace loving people.”

Col Bakosoro is visiting Juba to meet with GOSS President Elect, Gen Salva Kiir and other GOSS high ranking officials. There are also reports that, he is considering to rejoin SPLM party after winning WES gubernatorial seat as an Independent – Col Bakosoro was disowned by SPLM party earlier this year.

(ST)