WES Youth Applaud Governor Futuyo’s Removal and Demand New Leadership
By Emmanuel Mandella
The youth of Western Equatoria State (WES) have welcomed President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s decision to relieve Alfred Futuyo Karaba of his duties as Governor, calling the move “long overdue” and essential for restoring peace and stability after years of turmoil.
In a position paper addressed to President Salva Kiir on February 20, 2025, the youth expressed relief over Futuyo’s ousting but voiced strong opposition to any successor linked to him. They warned that such a decision could reignite instability in a state already grappling with insecurity, economic decline, and human rights abuses.
“Futuyo’s removal paves the way for peace and stability in our state, which has endured five years of immense suffering under his leadership,” stated Paiyo Charles Angelo Arona, representing the youth of WES.
Despite welcoming the governor’s dismissal, the youth raised concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Yambio and surrounding areas. Reports of killings, injuries, and looting have emerged, with suspicions that loyalists of the former governor are behind these incidents.
“This further proves that SPLM-IO leadership cannot be trusted to govern Western Equatoria State,” Arona emphasized, attributing the insecurity to elements still loyal to Futuyo.
The youth group strongly criticized the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO), accusing it of lacking the commitment to foster unity and peace in WES. They pointed out that assigning both Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal States to SPLM-IO under the revitalized peace agreement has endangered national security.
“Our borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Central African Republic (CAR) remain porous and vulnerable to infiltration by armed groups such as Seleka and other militias,” the statement noted.
The group also criticized First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny for allegedly ignoring repeated warnings from community leaders and international partners about Futuyo’s leadership failures.
To restore peace and stability, the youth have outlined four key demands, which include that Western Equatoria State must be allocated to a different party within the peace agreement framework. The next governor must not be a candidate recommended by Futuyo, and immediate government action is needed to protect WES from rebel and militia infiltration.
They further added that should the government fail to act, WES youth are prepared to support national security forces in safeguarding their communities.
“We trust that further decisive actions will be taken to consolidate peace, stability, and good governance in our beloved state,” Arona concluded.
Political analysts suggest that this development could prompt the national government to reassess the power-sharing arrangements under the revitalized peace agreement. Western Equatoria’s strategic location near volatile borders raises the stakes for national security, making the youth’s demands particularly significant.
The President’s next move regarding WES leadership is highly anticipated, as it could either consolidate gains in peacebuilding or reignite political tensions in the region.
