By Lodu William Odiya
At least 26 market brokers arrested over a violent dispute at Konyo-Konyo Market in Juba are expected to face court proceedings following an intervention by city authorities and security officials.
Caretaker Mayor of Juba City Council, Christopher Sarafino Wani Swaka, alongside the Assistant Inspector General of Police and Central Equatoria State Police Commissioner, Lt. Gen. Andrea Martin Hassan, held a meeting to address ongoing operational disputes involving market broker unions at the market.
According to a statement from the Juba City Council Press Unit, the intervention followed an internal feud involving 26 market brokers, which escalated into violence and disrupted normal business activities at Konyo-Konyo Market.
The statement said security forces initially intervened to contain the situation before police formally arrested the individuals and transferred them into custody, where they are awaiting official court proceedings.
“The security forces initially intervened, but police formally carried out the arrests and transferred the individuals into custody, where they now await official court proceedings,” the statement reads.
During the meeting, Mayor Swaka expressed concern over the repeated violent incidents involving the same group, noting that this was the third time the individuals had engaged in public fights and disrupted commercial activities at the market.
He warned that the city administration would not tolerate repeated acts of violence, particularly those threatening public safety and the livelihoods of traders and other market users.
The caretaker mayor further maintained that no leniency would be extended to those involved, emphasising that all 26 suspects would face the full force of the law.
The intervention comes amid efforts by Juba City Council and security institutions to maintain order in public markets and ensure that commercial activities are conducted peacefully.
Authorities are expected to rely on the legal process to address the dispute and discourage further confrontations among market broker groups.