I fully agree with Robert Shilstino Shingirei’s article regarding the dire state of leadership in Western Bahr el Ghazal under the current governor, Hon. Sarah Rial. The issues outlined point to a consistent failure in governance that the people of Western Bahr el Ghazal have endured for far too long.
The Governor of Western Bahr el Ghazal was supposed to be dismissed two years ago due to her glaring incompetence and failure to unite the state. She has been at the center of destroying the social fabric that once held our communities together. The marginalization of key leadership figures, especially the sidelining of the Lion’s leadership, has weakened the state’s governance structure. This not only crippled internal unity but also destabilized the administrative capacities needed to push the state forward.
Her political incompetence is evident, and it is especially concerning that her allegiances and loyalty seem to lie with another political party, working against the interests of her own political party. This betrayal has left the ruling State political party weak, disoriented, and unable to lead the state effectively. Her removal of strong IO leadership from her administration further alienated those who had the interest of the state at heart, creating a political void that has only been filled with dysfunction and disarray.
Furthermore, the governor has shown a lack of connection and communication with leadership on the ground (Lions). Instead of engaging in collaborative governance, she has fueled conflicts of influence among local leaders, exacerbating divisions within Western Bahr el Ghazal top Lions leadership. This breakdown of leadership has not gone unnoticed by the people, and the entire Western Bahr el Ghazal Community—political, military, civil society, both at home and abroad—has voiced their demand for her removal.
What is most disheartening is that despite these cries for change, Dr. Riek Machar has continued to stand by the governor, ignoring the people’s voice and allowing the state to sink deeper into political and social disintegration. This is a clear indication that the interests of the leadership are being placed above the welfare of the people, a betrayal of the sacrifices made by those who fought and died for the dignity and future of Western Bahr el Ghazal.
It is high time that leadership listens to the people. The governor’s failure to manage the state and her inability to lead effectively has been more than evident through her rejected speech, the suspension of cabinet sessions, and the growing discontent within all segments of society. Western Bahr el Ghazal deserves a leader who can unite the people, restore the social fabric, and create a vision for development. We have already lost too many years. It’s time for a leadership change that prioritizes the state’s best interests over narrow political loyalties.
Rabeh Dimbiti
President of the Western Bahr El Ghazal Community – USA
