(MAGWI COUNTY) – Communities in Owiny-Kibul, Eastern Equatoria State, have expressed concern over recent visits by foreign geologists reportedly linked to Russian interests. The visits which took place in August have raised fears that mineral resources may be exploited without proper consultation or benefit to local residents.
According to local leaders, four Russian geologists were seen collecting soil samples in Ayolo and Katire Ayom, areas believed to hold gold deposits. Chief Oyet Charles said the team had been cleared by Magwi County authorities through the State Ministry of Mining, but most community members were unaware of the exploration.
“Our people were alarmed when they saw strangers going into the bush. They feared these men came to smuggle minerals without informing higher authorities,” Chief Oyet said. He stressed that the community remains uninformed about any formal agreements and insisted that exploration must not proceed without local involvement, consent, and clear benefit sharing.
Magwi County Commissioner Hon. Pole Benjamin confirmed that the geologists had been officially facilitated by the national government in Juba. “These are investors who came under the guidance of our government to assess the availability of resources that may, in the future, be explored to bring development to the area,” he said.
While local authorities maintain that the visit was legitimate, residents argue that past experiences of resource extraction in South Sudan have left communities with little benefit. Many fear a repeat of the pattern where foreign companies exploit minerals without improving infrastructure, services, or livelihoods.
Community leaders have called for binding agreements to ensure benefits from any mining activities. They are demanding new roads, health and education facilities, job opportunities for youth, and environmental protection measures. The visiting geologists reportedly promised to return after analysing the collected samples, but local leaders say no further activity should take place until an agreement is signed.
The situation in Owiny-Kibul is seen as a key test of South Sudan’s approach to developing its mineral sector. The country holds large untapped deposits of gold, copper, and limestone. Since independence in 2011, efforts to diversify the economy beyond oil, which currently provides nearly 90 percent of government revenue, have faced challenges of weak regulation, poor transparency and limited community involvement.
The Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU) has introduced reforms through the Ministry of Mining aimed at attracting foreign investment while emphasising sustainability and local participation. However, critics argue that implementation at the local level remains inconsistent, leaving communities uncertain about how benefits will be shared.
For residents of Magwi County, the issue is not just about minerals but about development. They insist that exploration must contribute to improving local lives rather than leaving them behind.
Community Concerns vs Expected Benefits
| Community Concerns | Demands for Benefits |
|---|---|
| Lack of consultation | Binding agreements with local input |
| Fear of exploitation | Jobs for youth |
| Environmental risks | Roads, schools, and health facilities |
| History of no local benefit | Transparent revenue sharing |
