Rumours ignite administrative anxiety
Whispers of a separate coordination office for Makal County in Malakal have unsettled residents. The state capital already houses county functions, so any relocation feels redundant to many locals. Uncertainty now clouds an area that had enjoyed relative calm.
Community leaders demand transparency
“Malakal is part of Makal County; another office makes no sense,” argued Kobfer Amum during an interview. He said a delegation seeking clarification met armed security outside Commissioner Michael Othow Bol’s residence, which they perceived as intimidation.
Boundary questions fuel youthful concern
Youth representative Simon Nyareth Ayik stressed that clear lines between Malakal Municipality and the county are overdue. He warned that supporting an extra office risks isolating the commissioner from his base, especially when the old county headquarters already stand unused.
Commissioner rebuts alleged plot
Commissioner Othow insisted no coordination office is planned. “I am based in Malakal; another office would be illogical,” he said. He blamed unnamed politicians for stirring unrest and recalled an alleged assault on his office last week, noting security forces were only ensuring safety.
Civil society pushes for mediation
Ter Manyang Gatwech of the Center for Peace and Advocacy urged state leaders to mediate promptly. He cautioned that prolonged silence could escalate the dispute, though he remains optimistic that dialogue can preserve the county’s fragile harmony.
Calm appeals overshadow political noise
Governor James Koang Chuol has been petitioned to intervene. While rumours swirl, most actors prioritise peaceful resolution over confrontation. For now, Makal’s future administrative map depends on constructive conversations rather than street-level speculation.