A group of traditional leaders who were relieved of their duties in Bor County, Jonglei State, are considering taking legal action after contesting the establishment of new administrative units. Critics argue that the move prioritises political expansion over the delivery of essential services.
The State Government began creating approximately 20 new Payams and Bomas in July, claiming that this will bring governance closer to communities. However, the decision has elicited strong opposition, leading to the sudden removal of three chiefs in Bor County who opposed their placement in a newly formed Chuei-Keer Payam.
In a letter dated August 12, chiefs Mariar Maluil, Aguto Chol, and Angeth Noon criticised the restructuring, highlighting a lack of consultation. Shortly afterwards, Bor County Commissioner James Gai Makoor ousted them from their positions—an action one chief is determined to challenge in court.
“We will seek reinstatement from the Minister of Local Government, and if unsuccessful, we will pursue legal action,” Aguto Chol stated in an interview with Radio Tamazuj on Sunday. “Our dismissal was unlawful, demonstrating disrespect towards our community and the law.”
Various civil society organisations have denounced the dismissals, viewing them as an assault on freedom of expression. Bol Deng Bol, executive director of INTREPID South Sudan, accused the State Government of silencing dissent instead of addressing service delivery challenges.
“Since when did questioning leaders become a criminal act?” Bol questioned. “The chiefs were removed for peacefully expressing their opinions—what crime did they commit?”
Bol emphasised the importance of chiefs in local governance and urged state officials to concentrate on improving healthcare, infrastructure, and security rather than pursuing controversial boundary changes that could escalate tensions.
At the time of reporting, Jonglei’s Local Government Minister Riek Gai Kok had not responded to inquiries.
