President Salva Kiir has donated 20 million South Sudanese Pounds and a brand new Toyota Land Cruiser V8 vehicle to the new king of the Azande community.

On Wednesday, the Azande community in Western Equatoria State crowned Atoroba Peni Rikito Gbudue as king of the Azande, more than a century after the demise of King Gbudue.

His coronation took place at the Yambio Freedom Square as the Azande community celebrated Gbudue Day in honour of their slain king. 

The gift was announced on behalf of President Kiir by Minister of Presidential Affairs, Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin.

Speaking during the celebration in Yambio, Dr Marial said: “His excellency has contributed to this great occasion and to the King, 20 million South Sudanese pounds. The president has donated a brand new V8 to the King to help ease the work of those carrying the King on their shoulder,” Dr. Marial said.

According to the minister, President Kiir also promised to support the establishment of the Azande Kingdom.

Minister Marial urged the Azande King to unite the people across the state and said: “The presence of the King in the country does not affect anything but strengthens the work of the current government. So Your Majesty, please do your best by uniting the people of Western Equatoria.”

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the National Legislative Assembly Jemma Nunu Kumba urged the Azande community to unite behind the King.

 “Our people need to focus on agriculture. If we focus on food production, the money which is going out will come back to Western Equatoria State and other states which will produce food,” she said.