Former Speaker of South Sudan’s Transitional National Legislative Assembly, Anthony Lino Makana, has made his first public statement since his 2019 resignation, calling on Western Equatoria’s acting governor, Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa, to act swiftly to address the escalating security crisis in Tombura County.
Makana, who stepped down amid accusations of embezzlement and unauthorized approval of a $400 million AFREXIM Bank loan, now urges leaders to prioritize peace and protection of civilians in the troubled region.
In a statement, Standard Zone News obtained a copy, Makana described the situation in Tombura as dire, citing rampant violence including ambushes, killings, kidnappings, sexual assaults, and arson.
He warned that the insecurity has paralyzed farming activities, raising the risk of famine in the region.
“The insecurity in Tombura County is quite alarming,” Makana said. “People are unable to access their farms. This suggests that soon there will be a cry of famine.”
Makana advised the acting governor to draw lessons from Lakes State, where similar unrest was brought under control following the appointment of Governor Rin Tueny Mabor.
“Once, insecurity in Lakes State had gotten out of hand. But under Governor Mabor’s leadership, peace was restored. Western Equatoria can do the same,” he said.
To stabilize Tombura, Makana proposed temporarily relocating the state headquarters to the county, engaging local communities to address root causes of violence, and forming joint security patrols.
He also called for enhanced intelligence gathering, judicial reforms to ensure swift local trials, and collaboration with humanitarian organizations to support affected populations.
“This is a moment for decisive leadership,” Makana concluded. “We must act before the crisis deepens.”
