Governor of a South Sudanese state survives fatal car accident
Written by: Mohamed Ragab
The governor of Western Bahr el Ghazal state, General Daniel Sharif, survived a car accident this afternoon while returning to Wau city, after participating in the welcoming ceremony for the President of the Republic of South Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, in the Tharkweng area.
The incident sparked widespread interest within the state, especially since it involved one of the region's most prominent executive officials, while local authorities rushed to monitor the situation and check on the health of the governor and his companions.
The accident occurred on the road between Mariel Bay and Wau.
According to initial information, the accident occurred on the road linking Marial Bay and Wau, during the governor's return trip from an official event attended by a number of government officials and local leaders.
Eyewitness Professor Mabini Dore said the incident occurred as the governor's convoy was moving towards Wau, noting that the incident caused concern among his companions and citizens who were near the scene.
The sources have not yet revealed the full nature of the accident, nor has accurate information been provided regarding the reasons that led to its occurrence or the extent of the damage to the vehicle that was carrying the governor.
The governor was unharmed
Local sources confirmed that General Daniel Sharif emerged from the incident unharmed and in good health, which helped to calm the fears that spread after news of the incident circulated.
The sources indicated that the governor continued to carry out his work normally after the incident, while a number of members of the convoy underwent precautionary examinations to ensure their safety.
The governor’s safety is reassuring news for the state’s residents, especially given his role in managing local affairs and following up on development and security matters in Western Bahr el Ghazal.
Awaiting an official statement
Despite the circulation of initial details about the incident, the competent authorities have not yet issued an official statement clarifying its circumstances or accurately identifying its causes.
It is expected that the relevant authorities will open an investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the accident, and whether there were technical, traffic or environmental factors that contributed to it.
Citizens are also waiting for the release of additional official information regarding the accident, especially concerning the condition of the vehicle, the resulting damage, and the measures that will be taken to prevent the recurrence of such accidents in the future.
The accident prompts a re-evaluation of road safety.
The incident brought back to the forefront the issue of road safety in some areas of South Sudan, where many roads face challenges related to infrastructure and operating conditions, especially during official travel involving long distances between cities and provinces.
