WES Information Minister clarifies delay in return of County Commissioners

Western Equatoria State Minister of Information and Communication, Mohamed Juma Bistin, has clarified the delay in the return of newly appointed county commissioners to their respective headquarters, dismissing social media reports claiming they were deliberately detained in Yambio.

The affected officials include Daite Mathew Bakiet (Mundri East), Zaza William Hai (Ezo), James Mopaya (Tambura), Usini Nicholas Vero (Nagero), and Isaac Sebit Brown (Mvolo).

Minister Juma explained that the commissioners remained in the state capital to attend to official administrative matters, complete formal swearing-in procedures, and participate in the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) membership registration exercise.

He confirmed that registration has concluded, adding that several commissioners have already returned to their posts while others are scheduled to depart Yambio this week.

The minister acknowledged that logistical hurdles—specifically a shortage of official transport—contributed significantly to the delay.

“On the challenges facing the commissioners, two commissioners have been here in Yambio for about five months, from Mvolo and Nagero,” Minister Juma said.

“The Mvolo Commissioner does not currently have a vehicle because his official vehicle remains in Mvolo with the former commissioner, while the available youth vehicle has mechanical problems.”

“The Mundri East Commissioner has a vehicle, although there are still some minor issues, while efforts are underway to secure a vehicle for the Nagero Commissioner so that they can return to their respective areas.”

Minister Juma noted that multiple government vehicles assigned to local authorities were lost during the conflict under the administration of former Governor Alfred Futuyo. A specialized committee has been established to trace and recover the missing fleet, with formal investigations ongoing.

He urged the public to disregard politically motivated rumors circulating online and reaffirmed that local government authorities are actively coordinating logisitics to ensure all commissioners return safely to serve their communities.