Col Bakosoro gets warm welcome in Juba

June 7, 2010 (JUBA, Central Equatoria State) – Western Equatoria communities in Juba during the weekend warmly welcomed WES new governor in a reception organized in honour of his resounding victory in April elections.

Hundreds of Western Equatoria people, joined with Juba residents, lined the streets, waiting hours in the intense sunshine just for a glimpse of the only elected independent governor in southern Sudan.

Bakosoro waved back, smiling broadly. He could be seen by adoring fans from behind a benson screen for a mere 10 seconds before being whisked away to address all the communities of WES who live in Juba.

Local newspapers overflowed with breathless coverage, including the comment from a local Journalist, “Village beats the drums for returning son.”.

Col Bakosoro was in South Sudan’s capital on Saturday as part of a tightly scripted program of WES communities in Juba tour to raise awareness for his plans and to reconnect with his supporters.

James Kumbo, a local commentator, said the backdrop to the excitement was that many citizens of WES were fed up with their own leaders and the State’s persistently high levels of corruption and imported insecurity the Ugandan rebels. They place their hopes in energetic SPLA officer like Mr. Bakosoro.

Western Equatoria is on the verge of an enormous humanitarian crisis, due LRA atrocities.

Despite SPLA failure to stop LRA rebels from attacking civilians, Bakosoro commended their effort, “Our gallant SPLA soldiers have tried all means to deter LRA attacks, but the solution to off root the LRA is still far from reach.”

“While I recognize the difficulties of annihilating the LRA within the state, I will try my level best, and again with the help of Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS) we will find a solution to deter LRA aggressions,” he pledged.

He also vowed to support the local efforts by Western Equatoria youth who organized self defense groups called (Arrow boys). Yambio government “will also try to strengthen the Youth Community Guards to protect their relatives and families,” he said.

Bakosoro also pledged to work for the unity of Western Equatorians and end divisions that emerged during the electoral campaign. The governor was responding to a call for reconciliation launched by Steven Kumuyangi one of WE community leaders in Juba in a speech he delivered during the event.

“Because of such divisions, I want to argue each and every citizen of this State to reconcile with one another. Our unity is our strength and it’s more important and paramount to the unity and strength of Southern Sudan,” said the governor.

“Let us forgive each other whole heartedly and forget the past. Western Equatoria should and must show example to other States for practicing and embracing non-violent approach in resolving problems among ourselves,” he added.

(ST)