The Azande Community of Maridi in Juba has ushered in a new leadership team following a closely watched election that brought together community members, traditional leaders, and stakeholders from across Western Equatoria State.
Eng. Boutrous Magaya was elected Chairperson during a general election held on June 28, 2026, at Nazareth Parish in Juba.
The poll attracted 168 voters who elected a new executive committee to lead the Azande Maridi community in the capital.
Magaya will be deputized by Isaka Kumbo, while Victor Benneth Keliopas was elected Secretary General. Other executive members were also elected to oversee the affairs of the community.
The election drew a diverse gathering of youth, women, elders, intellectuals, and representatives of various community organizations.
Maridi County Paramount Chief James Bakindo, who attended as the Guest of Honour, hailed the exercise as a demonstration of unity and democratic leadership.
In a show of support for the incoming leadership, Chief Bakindo donated SSP 1 million and challenged community members to invest in agriculture through a proposed five-feddan communal farming project.
He also urged the community to remain united and maintain strong ties with their ancestral home in Maridi County.
Among the notable guests were Maridi Community Chairperson in Juba Joseph Abraham Sallah Maridi, Ibba Community Chairperson Mary Nawai, representatives of the Azande Community Organization (ACO), the Avukaya Community, and other community groups.
In his acceptance speech, Magaya pledged to strengthen unity among the Azande of Maridi and deepen cooperation with communities from across Western Equatoria State.
He described his election as the start of a new chapter focused on empowerment, development, and inclusive leadership.
“This marks the beginning of a new era of progress and unity,” Magaya said, calling on community members to work together in promoting peaceful coexistence and advancing community development initiatives.
The election is expected to reinvigorate community engagement and strengthen the voice of the Azande Maridi community in Juba.
