New Payams Spark Local Turmoil
A decision by Jonglei State authorities to create about twenty new payams and bomas earlier this year has generated an unexpected storm. In Bor County, three veteran chiefs were dismissed after they rejected being reassigned to the newborn Chuei-Keer Payam.
Chiefs Challenge Dismissal Process
In a joint letter dated 12 August, Mariar Maluil, Aguto Chol, and Angeth Noon argued that proper consultation never occurred. According to Aguto Chol, the move “disrespects our community and the law,” and the trio is ready to seek reinstatement in court if administrative appeals fail.
Civil Society Defends Free Expression
Local civil society organisations have framed the dismissals as a threat to free expression. Bol Deng Bol of INTREPID South Sudan asked rhetorically, “Is questioning leaders now a crime?” He urged authorities to prioritise healthcare, roads, and security instead of contentious border changes.
Government Highlights Decentralisation Goals
State officials maintain that creating smaller units brings decision-making closer to citizens and aligns with national decentralisation policy. While Local Government Minister Riek Gai Kok remained unreachable, county commissioner James Gai Makoor has insisted the restructuring will enhance service delivery and social cohesion once initial resistance subsides.
Court Fight Could Redefine Governance
Legal analysts in Juba note that South Sudan’s Local Government Act outlines specific procedures for removing chiefs. Any court challenge, they say, could clarify the balance between customary authority and modern administration as the country experiments with deeper decentralisation.