South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
The administration of St. Stephen’s Parish Church in Munuki has issued condemnation of the Government of Central Equatoria State (CES) over what it described as an illegal demarcation of church land, calling for accountability and immediate action.
In a statement to the media on Sunday, the Parish priest of St. Stephen’s church Rev. Paul Samuel Paul said government officials led by David Morbe Aquilino, State Minister of Housing, Land and Public Utilities arrived at the church premises on March 20 under the protection of national security forces, and began opening roads and demolishing church structures without prior notice to the Church administration.
“We, the Christians of St. Stephen Parish Church Munuki, were shocked to witness engineers demolishing parts of our property under military guard,” Samuel said.
“When we questioned the Minister, he told us he was acting on the orders of the Governor of Central Equatoria State.”
The land in question located in Block “B” of Munuki, was officially allocated to the Episcopal Church of South Sudan (ECSS) in 1987, with a land lease registered under Plot No. 1567 and covering 95,200 square meters. The church has held legal ownership of the land since then.
Samuel said the church leaders approached Central Equatoria State Governor, Augustino Jadalla Kamilo Wani with legal documents and accompanied him on a site visit, but they have received no response since.
“His (Jadalla) silence speaks volumes. It shows a complete disregard for the rule of law and the sanctity of religious institutions,” Samuel said.
The case has already been heard at the Supreme Court, where the ruling favoured the Church. Despite the court decision, the Church claims the government has failed to enforce the four court rulings.
“There is no higher authority than the Supreme Court. We are calling for the immediate eviction of all illegal occupants from our land and compensation for the damages caused,” Samuel said.
He urged the Episcopal Diocese of Juba to intervene and press the national government to take action.
“We ask our higher church authorities to engage with the Government of the Republic of South Sudan and ensure that those who disobey the Supreme Court and violate our sacred space are held accountable,” Samuel said.
Morbe, the Central Equatoria State Minister of Housing and public Utilities, said they are preparing their official response to the allegations.
“We are going to have a very big surprise which is the press conference tomorrow (Tuesday) to respond to the accusation of the land issue, we will bring all the departments that are dealing with the process of acquiring land including the community who demand for the allocation of the plots,’’ Morbe said.
