South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has appointed Rabi Emmanuel as the new Governor of Central Equatoria State, replacing Gen. Augustino Jadalla Wani.
The move, announced Monday night on SSBC, is seen as an effort to bring new leadership amid ongoing land disputes, and service delivery issues.
The decision comes barely a year after Jadalla’s appointment in May 2024, where he took over from Emmanuel Adil Anthony.
A seasoned former commander of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), Jadalla was brought in during a tense period marked by resurgent land disputes, intercommunal violence, and political discontent in the capital, Juba, and surrounding counties.
Rabi Emmanuel, the man stepping in, is a lesser-known political figure but a key name within military circles.
Until recently, he served as Assistant Chief of Defence Forces for Air Force and Strategic Air Defense, as well as a board member of the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority.
He was relieved from his military post during the latest reshuffle at Bilpam, a move now appearing to be a strategic redeployment rather than retirement.
President Kiir’s selection of another military figure signals continued reliance on security-centric leadership in the capital state.
Central Equatoria State, home to the national capital, remains politically sensitive and strategically vital.
Its leadership has often been at the intersection of national and local politics, ethnic grievances, and economic reform debates.
The new governor enters office at a time of increasing pressure on the government to deliver tangible peace dividends.
