South Sudan: Aweil community demand dismissal of governor over land issue

By Richard Sultan

Members of Northern Bahr el Ghazal’s Aweil West based in Juba are not happy with circumstances surrounding Ajuet and Chimel areas.

Up in Aweil, people took to the streets, jubilating the governor’s plans to annex the two areas to a newly created Aweil municipality.

While condemning the protests, the Juba based members of Aweil West are also demanding the governor dismissed for instigating the annexation.

Headed by business man Ayii Duany Ayii, the community warned any annexation will not be accepted.

“In case of annexation, it should follow normal legal processes agreed by the leadership for creation of new counties in compliance with peace agreement,” they said in a statement.

The community labelled the governor a “dividing factor” in Aweil.

“SPLM leadership should withdraw the current governor and subsequently appoint a competent party cadre to restore the lost unity for the people of greater Mading Aweil, otherwise the ongoing political crisis in Northern Bahr El Ghazal can jeopardize the RTGoNU’s smooth partnership and mutual understanding that our president His Excellency Salva Kiir Mayardit has signed with peace partners,” the community leaders said.

Governor Tong Akeen Ngor dismissed the allegations, saying he has nothing to do with any demonstration.

“I heard the people were protesting and they submitted their petition to the minister but I am yet to see and know the contents. About the letter from the office of the first vice President, I was also told about it circulating on social media and since I don’t have time for social media, I haven’t seen it,” Ngor said.