President Kiir (in middle), Azande King His Majesty Atoroba (second left) and officials from the Kingdom in a meeting at the Office of the President. | PPU

President Salva Kiir on Wednesday promised to restore stability in Western Equatoria State after armed nomads immigrating from the neighboring Central Africa Republic plagued the area for months.

This was in a meeting with the King of Azande his Majesty Atoroba Peni Rikito on Wednesday to discuss the security situation in the state bordering DR Congo and Central Africa.

Wandering Ambororo nomads from neighboring Central African Republic have been raiding Ezo, Ibba and Tombura counties in the last two months.

King Atoroba has told President Kiir that the security situation in the state is deplorable.

“While briefing the President on the situation in the Kingdom’s territory on Wednesday, the King says many people are displaced in the areas around Tombura due to conflict,” the Office of the President said in a statement.

Atoroba, who was accompanied by leaders of the kingdom, added that the presence of armed Ambororo tribesmen in the area has caused a great security threat to the people.

President Kiir’s office said he promised to support the leadership of the Kingdom in order to help restore and maintain security in Western Equatoria State.

At least 11 people including a local chief and a youth leader have been reported killed during the attacks by the foreign nomads since March 2023.