To the Management of Digitel Network,
We commend your initiative to expand network services across the Greater Bahr el Ghazal region. Connectivity is indeed a critical driver of development, fostering trade, education, healthcare, social inclusion and political participation. However, such expansion must be pursued with the utmost respect for historical realities, lawful boundaries, and the social fabric of the communities you intend to serve.
The communities of Alur, Athiihro, Abad, Pingiem, Pawayo, and the wider population of Wau North and beyond, including the Fertit, Balanda, Banda, Luo, Kresh, Ndogo, and other indigenous groups of Wau and Marial Bai, are not simply recipients of development. They are custodians of their land, culture, and history. Their boundaries are not arbitrary lines but legacies of generations of stewardship and shared identity.
Both statutory law, such as the Local Government Act (2009), and customary principles of land ownership in South Sudan, affirm the right of communities to recognition and consultation before any developmental intervention. The State Government of Western Bahr el Ghazal has both the authority and the duty to safeguard these rights, meaning any expansion must be carried out in full recognition of its jurisdiction.
Past experiences illustrate how well intentioned service provision can create unintended disputes. For example, Don Bosco in Tonj extended services beyond the recognised boundaries between Tonj of Warrap State and Jur River of Western Bahr el Ghazal State. This encroachment led to contested claims by authorities in Tonj over areas where services had been provided. Similarly, your recent post erroneously classifying Pala and Akuoyo – areas that rightfully belong to Jur River County, Western Bahr el Ghazal State – as part of Warrap State reignited these sensitivities.
While we acknowledge and appreciate your swift public apology correcting the error, which read:
“We had initially posted these two sites (Pala & Akuoyo) in our efforts to expand the network to the Greater Bahr El Ghazal Region as part of Warrap State. Notably, Pala and Akuoyo are part of the Western Bahr-El-Ghazal-State but not Warrap State. We would like to sincerely apologise for the inconveniences caused and promise not to repeat the same in the future.”
This episode has revealed the importance of careful community engagement and thorough boundary assessment. Service delivery should never be misinterpreted as a territorial claim, nor should it disregard the rightful owners of the land.
We therefore strongly advise that, moving forward, Digitel Network integrates community consultation, legal due diligence, recognition of the Western Bahr el Ghazal State Government, and cultural sensitivity into every stage of its expansion. This approach will not only prevent disputes but also strengthen your reputation as a provider that values both progress and justice.
We look forward to your cooperation in ensuring that your noble mission of connecting people is matched with fairness, inclusivity, and historical awareness.
Respectfully,
Molana Kon Bona
Molana Kon Bona is a community advocate and commentator on governance, development and cultural preservation in South Sudan.
