Two SPLM aspirants declare bid for Western Equatoria governorship

Two South Sudanese politicians, Mboriman Edward Mbory Lo’da and former Western Equatoria State governor James El-Taib Berapai, have declared their intentions to seek the governorship of Western Equatoria State through the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) party primaries.

The two aspirants have outlined different aspects of their political ambitions as they seek the party’s nomination ahead of the general election. While Mbory has emphasised security, food production and socioeconomic development, Berapai has highlighted his public service experience, legal career and business interests.

Mbory, an entrepreneur and politician, announced his candidature at the SPLM National Secretariat in Juba, pledging to prioritise peace, food security, natural resource protection and investment in education, healthcare and infrastructure.

In his declaration statement, Mbory said his decision to contest the governorship was driven by a commitment to promote unity, equal treatment and development for all communities in Western Equatoria State.

“Our decision to contest is not driven by tribal allegiance or regional favoritism,” he said, adding that he intended to represent the interests of the entire population without discrimination based on tribal or regional affiliation.

He identified human security and food security as key priorities, pledging to promote peace, justice and dignity while strengthening agricultural production and supporting sustainable livelihoods.

Mbory also stressed the importance of protecting the state’s natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations.

On social services, he pledged to invest in quality education and healthcare, expand opportunities for women and young people, and construct new infrastructure while rehabilitating existing facilities.

He said peaceful coexistence and cooperation among communities would be central to his proposed leadership.

“We embark on this journey with God’s guidance, with faith, hope of unity, and determination, to work together to build a peaceful, prosperous, and united Western Equatoria State,” he said.

Mbory also expressed gratitude to President Salva Kiir Mayardit, the SPLM chairman, and the party’s deputies for their leadership and guidance.

He concluded his statement by pledging to change the state’s development trajectory.

“And yes, we are changing the narrative in Western Equatoria State,” he said.

However, his declaration did not provide detailed implementation plans, funding proposals or timelines for delivering on the priorities he outlined.

Meanwhile, Berapai announced his intention to contest the SPLM primaries on October 6, 2026, after obtaining a nomination form.

The former governor said his candidature was directed at SPLM members and the wider population of Western Equatoria State, including residents across its ten counties.

“I’m now a candidate for the primary election of the party,” Berapai said.

As part of his public announcement, Berapai also declared his assets, describing financial transparency as an important consideration for candidates seeking public office.

Speaking in front of a property he identified as his own, he described it as a furnished apartment building used for rental business. He valued the property at more than US$2 million and said he had acquired it approximately 12 years ago.

Berapai said the rental business, alongside his legal profession, was among his sources of livelihood.

His previous public service includes serving as Western Equatoria State minister of education from 2000 to 2002. He later worked as an adviser on legal affairs to the state government and served as a member of the Western Equatoria State Legislative Assembly, where he chaired a specialised committee.

Unlike Mbory, who outlined priorities covering security, agriculture, education, healthcare and infrastructure, Berapai did not present a detailed campaign manifesto or specific policy proposals in his candidature announcement.

Both politicians are seeking the SPLM nomination, which would position the successful aspirant to represent the ruling party in the contest for Western Equatoria State’s governorship.

Their declarations come amid political competition over the leadership of the state, with Mbory focusing on unity and socioeconomic development, while Berapai has highlighted his previous public service, legal career and business interests.

The outcome of the SPLM primaries will determine which aspirant receives the party’s endorsement to contest the governorship in the general election.