By Chol D. Johnson
The Jonglei State Government has ordered the suspension of the establishment and inauguration of bomas across the state until further notice.
In an administrative order issued on Tuesday, Wilson Awuol Gaijang, the acting and deputy governor of Jonglei State, announced the directive.
“I, Wilson Awuol Gaijang, Acting Governor and Deputy Governor of Jonglei State, do hereby suspend the establishment and inauguration of bomas in Jonglei State until further notice,” Awuol stated.
He underscored that the order takes effect on the date of its signature.
“In exercise of the powers conferred upon me by the Jonglei State Constitution, Article 103(a) of 2011, as amended, read together with the Presidential Decree, and after consultation with Riek Gai Kok, the governor of Jonglei,” he noted.
In an exclusive interview with No. 1 Citizen Daily Newspaper on Wednesday, James Magok Mabiei, the newly appointed commissioner of Twic East County, stated that the order is clear and requires no further comment.
“I read the order of the Jonglei State Deputy Governor on the suspension of the establishment and inauguration of Bomas. It is an order, and orders do not need comments,” Magok said.
Magok noted that there were unresolved boma disputes in Twic County prior to his appointment as commissioner.
“Before I took office as the Twic County commissioner, there was a boma dispute that remained unresolved,” he added.
Meanwhile, Bol Deng Bol, the executive director of INTEPID and chairperson of the Jonglei State Civil Society Organisation Network, welcomed the administrative order issued by the state authorities.
“I really appreciate the Government of Jonglei State for suspending the establishment and inauguration of bomas in the state,” Bol said.
According to Bol, the creation of new bomas and payams has led to land disputes and conflicts among communities in Jonglei State.
“The creation of new bomas and payams has caused conflict among Jonglei communities over land disputes,” he noted.
Bol appealed to the state government to prioritise security over the creation of new administrative units.
“My appeal to the government of Jonglei is to prioritise the security of its people. Most of the bomas are now empty, with no residents due to insecurity following their creation,” he stated.
He urged the people of Jonglei State to accept the order and engage in agriculture during the current rainy season.
Bol further encouraged the communities to avoid conflicts arising from the establishment of bomas, which could escalate into broader border and land disputes.