South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
The government of Central Equatoria State (CES) on Saturday declared a 21-day review period to evaluate and address the growing land dispute in Nyamini, which has been heightened by tensions from unauthorised demarcation activities.
Hon. Paulino Lukudu Obede, the Deputy Governor of Central Equatoria State (CES), issued the directives on Saturday during a community gathering in the affected area, emphasising the need for restraint and lawful conduct.
He ordered the immediate release of individuals recently arrested in connection with illegal land activities while warning against any further unauthorised demarcation.
“I am directing the Commissioner of Juba County to release those who were arrested immediately,” said Hon. Obede.
He also called on the community of Central Equatoria State to stop all demarcation activities that have not been approved by either the state government or the county authorities.
Hon. Obede made it clear that Nyamini will remain unchanged throughout the 21-day period, during which the government will conduct a comprehensive analysis of views, concerns, and recommendations from all parties involved.
“There will be no demarcation of land in Nyamini, and the area will remain as it is until we resolve these matters,” he stated.
He said that after hearing from both sides, the government will sit for 21 days to critically analyse the views, opinions, and recommendations.
“If, within this time, the conflicting communities reach a compromise and come to the government, we will then give the go-ahead for demarcation.”
Obede reassured residents that community representatives would be re-engaged at the end of the review period to discuss findings and next steps.
“Within these 21 days, the government will call on community representatives to share the outcome of our analysis, our recommendations, and our plan of action,” he stated, urging communities to foster peace and coexistence.
Meanwhile, Juba County Commissioner Emmanuel Tete Ezbon expressed his frustration over ongoing illegal land demarcations. According to him, certain communities had defied repeated warnings and proceeded with land allocation in Nyamini without official approval.
“Some communities, including those from Ellie Kare and Kuda Lo-Dimi in Lodu and Luri Payams, respectively, started demarcating land without approval,” Commissioner Emmanuel said. “These communities came to me seven times requesting to demarcate and allot land, and I clearly told them that Nyamini has unresolved issues.”
The commissioner responded by issuing a local order banning all demarcation activities, citing security risks and legal concerns. “Any land allotment or development must receive prior approval from the Juba County office,” he said. “Defying government authority risks escalating tensions in the area.”
CES Minister for Peacebuilding, Jacob Aligo, also addressed the gathering, calling for honest dialogue and collective understanding. “Solving conflict starts with understanding the underlying problems,” Aligo stated. “Bringing the five communities together to express their concerns is a major step forward.”
Aligo encouraged the leaders to approach discussions with integrity. “You are all brothers,” he told them. “These issues require wisdom, not cleverness. Land demands justice by its very nature. Speak the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Minister of Local Government Leon Aba echoed the commitment to peaceful solutions, reiterating that the government supports development but only through legal and inclusive means.
“The community has told us they want peace,” he said. “As a government, we are not against individuals or development. We are only against harmful and illegal practices.”
As the 21-day period begins, CES authorities are urging all stakeholders to prioritise peace, lawful processes, and community dialogue in addressing the land tensions in Nyamini.
