By Chol D. Johnson
The Central Equatoria State (CES) government has directed the immediate cessation of the renaming of places by unauthorized individuals.
In an administrative circular issued on Wednesday from the Office of the Deputy Governor in Juba, Paulino Lukudu Obede instructed all government institutions to stop the use of altered place names in official processes and documentation.
“Immediate cessation of the renaming of places and the use of distorted names in any legal processes or documentation,” Lukudu directed.
He noted that both the people and the government of Central Equatoria State have observed with concern what he described as the intentional or unintentional distortion of historical place names.
“The people and the government of Central Equatoria State have closely observed with dismay the intentional or unintentional distortion of our history through the illegal renaming of places,” he said.
According to Lukudu, unauthorized individuals have been renaming villages, streams, rivers, forests, mountains, residential areas, streets, roundabouts, and historical sites without approval.
He warned that the state government will take legal action against any individual or institution found assigning new names to well-established historical locations.
“The state government will take legal action against any individual or institution forging new names over well-established historical names of areas,” he emphasized.
The directive applies to government institutions, non-governmental organizations, private companies, civil society organizations, and the general public, all of whom are required to comply with the circular.
“The state government and its people will closely follow the implementation of this circular and will remain seized on this matter,” Lukudu added.
In a separate interview with No. 1 Citizen Newspaper, CES Minister of Information Nyarsuk Patrick James reaffirmed the government’s commitment to clarifying official place names.
“It will be necessary for the state government to inform the public about the formal names of specific areas,” Patrick said.
He noted that some locations may still be formally renamed through proper procedures led by local government authorities.
“We understand that some areas may be renamed appropriately, depending on formal processes developed by local authorities,” he explained.
Patrick emphasized that the government aims to preserve historical identity for future generations while ensuring clarity in naming.
“I respectfully note that the circular does not yet include specific names, which the state government is expected to provide,” he added.
He further stated that detailed information, including correct names and clear descriptions of locations, will be released soon.
Patrick also pointed out that some areas currently carry negative or foreign names, and the government is working to address this while ensuring that no group is adversely affected.