By Manas James Okony
The Government of Jonglei State is facing mounting pressure to address the controversies surrounding the recent establishment of new local administrative units Bomas and Payams.
Since July, the state government has initiated the creation of nearly 20 Payams and Bomas, a move that has sparked both excitement and unrest among various communities.
While many citizens have welcomed the changes, conflicts have emerged, particularly in Goi Boma, ChueiKeer Payam of Bor County, leading to the dismissal of traditional leaders by the County Commissioner James Gai Makoor.
Local leaders and residents have expressed disappointment with how the conflict is being managed, specifically referencing the removal of three chiefs who raised concerns regarding the administrative changes.
These chiefs, Aguto Chol, Mariar Maluil, and Angeth Noon communicated their points of contention to the commissioner, only to be dismissed, prompting questions about the implications for freedom of expression in local governance.
Civil society activist and INTREPID South Sudan (ISS) executive director, Bol Deng Bol, sought clarity on whether questioning the decisions of government officials constitutes an offense or if it is a legitimate exercise of democratic principles. “The Local Government Act outlines specific justifiable reasons for the removal of officials, including gross misconduct, incompetence, or incapacitation.”
Bol argued that such grounds were not met in this case, especially given the peaceful nature of the chiefs’ advocacy for their communities. He asserted that dismissing these leaders undermines the importance of community representation and dialogue within the local government framework.
“We call on the Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement to intervene, urging the immediate reinstatement of the dismissed Chiefs of Goi Boma,” he stated.
The activist emphasized that the people of Jonglei State, as well as South Sudanese citizens more broadly, prioritize essential services over administrative restructuring. Basic needs such as road connectivity, healthcare, employment, and security should take precedence over the expansion of local administrative units, he argued.
The observers appealed to Governor Riek Gai Kok to redirect his administration’s focus toward delivering these critical services, thereby preventing potential communal conflicts that may arise from administrative disputes. “Chiefs, as vital components of the local governance system, should be supported and guided rather than removed from their positions for advocating on behalf of their communities