By Yiep Joseph and Jacob Onuho
Central Equatoria Gubernatorial role presents a myriad of fresh challenges for governor, Rabi Mujung Emmanuel, who has taken office after a ceremonious swearing-in on Wednesday.
As he steps into this position, he is confronted with significant issues that have long burdened the state, including infrastructure deficits, security concerns, and social unrest.
Governor Mujung’s tenure is set against a backdrop of pressing controversies and tasks that require urgent attention and actionable solutions.
As he embarks on this journey, Mujung will have to navigate a difficult political landscape.
Land Grabbing and Land Wrangles
During his swearing-in, President Kiir tasked Governor Mujung with ensuring the equitable distribution of land to meet the needs of Juba’s rapidly growing population.
Since South Sudan’s independence, land grabbing and disputes have remained major issues across the states, particularly in the capital, Juba.
Despite the formation of several committees, land-related issues have yet to be resolved. Juba, as the headquarters of Central Equatoria State and the capital of the country, has registered a series of land disputes, some of which have resulted in loss of life.
The challenges awaiting the new governor include land grabbing, ownership disputes, and demarcation issues.
Jada Michael, a resident of Lodu Payam, expressed frustrations, noting that parts of the state continue to experience challenges with no immediate solutions from the state government.
“I cannot congratulate anyone because we, as the people of Lodu Payam, have suffered enough. No one has come to our rescue; land grabbers are disturbing us,” he said.
He appealed to the newly appointed governor to intensify efforts in addressing the problem of land grabbing.
Infrastructure Development
Central Equatoria State, like other regions in the country, lack good road infrastructure despite several planned projects. Road connectivity between the counties and the national capital remains in poor condition, even after the launch of some initiatives.
In addition to a shortage of funds, internal roads are struggling. This now requires new governor to prioritize road connectivity.
The road connecting Juba to Lainya and Yei has been a government priority; however, it remains incomplete despite attempts to renovate and improve it.
Ending relocation rumors
The rumors regarding the potential relocation of the state capital from Juba to another part of the state present a complex issue for the new governor. Although the state government consistently refutes claims and demands for relocation, there has been no official statement or order from the national government addressing the public’s concerns.
Discussions about relocating the capital often surface, with some state members supporting it while others oppose it. The rumors typically circulate on social media, necessitating the governor’s intervention to combat propaganda surrounding the issue of city relocation.
It is up to the new governor to ensure that any genuine demands are addressed, or to clarify the situation and dispel the rumors once and for all.
Insecurity and cattle keepers
Despite some achievements, such as reducing insecurity in certain areas, challenges persist, including road ambushes, killings, and confrontations between farmers and cattle keepers.
Monday John, a political figure in Central Equatoria State, described the ongoing insecurity as a significant challenge for every governor.
He noted that despite frequent changes in leadership, the issues of insecurity and cattle keepers have not been effectively addressed.
“We welcome the new governor, but there are challenges. The issues of insecurity and cattle keepers in the state are difficult tasks, and we need the new governor to bring about change,” he said.
Residents in Central Equatoria continue to face threats from insecurity arising from the presence of rebel groups and cattle keepers.
Efforts to silence the guns have proven difficult and were not adequately handled by previous governors, leaving these challenges for Gen. Mujung to tackle as he assumes office.
Tax disputes with national government
As the country grapples with economic hardships, the South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA) and Central Equatoria State Revenue have recently clashed over tax collection. The state revenue department notified some taxpayers, prompting strong condemnation from the SSRA, which stated that the state was overstepping its boundaries in tax collection.
Such disputes have remained unresolved by the former governor, and they now await the new governor’s attention.
However, in his remarks during the swearing-in ceremony, Governor Mujung underscored the need for collective efforts, determination, and steadfast commitment toward achieving the public interest.
“I want to assure our development partners that we will maximize our collaboration and continue to work transparently and collaboratively, ensuring that these invaluable partnerships are guided toward the best interests of our people,” he stated.