Leaders from the Azande Kingdom, Western Equatoria State government, and religious institutions gather for a group photo in Yambio after agreeing to reinforce traditional burial customs. | Photo: Courtesy

Traditional funeral customs across Western Equatoria State are set for a major revival following a unified agreement by the Azande Kingdom, state authorities, and religious institutions to ban DJs, loud sound systems, and dancing during mourning and burial ceremonies.

The historic resolution was reached in Yambio during a high-level consultation chaired by His Majesty Atoroba Peni Rikito Gbudue, King of the Azande Kingdom.

The forum brought together key leaders, including Western Equatoria State Governor Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa, St. Mary Catholic Church Bishop Barani Eduardo Hiboro Kusalla, Episcopal Church of South Sudan Bishop Samuel Enosa Peni, alongside prominent community stakeholders.

Under the new consensus, stakeholders agreed to prohibit modern entertainment, loud music, and dance performances at funeral gatherings—particularly while the body of the deceased is awaiting burial.

Governor Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa emphasized that the joint effort aims to safeguard cultural heritage and restore solemnity to Zande burial customs, which he noted have been eroded by modern technology and foreign influences.

“The kingdom, the government, and the churches here… have decided to revisit our culture to make sure that we mourn and bury our people in the traditional way with dignity,” Governor Badagbu stated. “Playing music and dancing while the body is still present is not the culture of our people.”

The Governor confirmed that leaders spent the session drafting a official communiqué to establish enforceable guidelines reversing practices that have undermined local tradition.

Echoing his sentiments, Christin Ngbanazande, Acting Prime Minister of the Azande Kingdom, highlighted that reviewing and ratifying the Kingdom’s customary law marks a critical step toward preserving Zande identity.

She noted that the updated customary rules will offer clear direction on conducting respectful ceremonies. The Azande Kingdom plans to roll out extensive community sensitization campaigns across the state, calling on all citizens to honor the restored traditions.

Leaders reaffirmed that the initiative is intended to strengthen Zande cultural values, foster social harmony, and ensure that deceased community members receive respectful send-offs.