Authorities in South Sudan’s Jonglei State have ordered the immediate suspension of the establishment and inauguration of Bomas, the country’s lowest administrative units, in a bid to curb rising intercommunal tensions.
In an order dated May 5, Acting Governor and Deputy Governor Wilson Awuol Gaijang said the directive takes effect immediately. The move was issued under powers granted by the state constitution.
“In exercise of the powers conferred upon me by the Jonglei State Constitution … I hereby suspend the establishment and inaugurations of Bomas in Jonglei State until further notice,” the order said.
Civil society groups who spoke to Radio Tamazuj welcomed the decision, saying it could help reduce conflict linked to administrative boundary disputes.
“This is a necessary step to ease tensions at the grassroots level,” said Jonglei-based activist Bol Deng Bol. “The creation of new Bomas has, in many cases, fueled disputes over land and resources, and this pause gives communities a chance to resolve underlying issues peacefully.”
He urged authorities to extend the suspension to include the creation and inauguration of Payams, warning that similar tensions could arise at higher administrative levels.
Bol also called on state authorities to address ongoing clashes between the Abang and Malual communities, particularly over contested fishing grounds.
At least seven people were killed and 15 others injured on April 29 in intercommunal violence between the two groups in Kolnyang Payam of Bor County, according to local officials.
The clashes occurred in Malual-Chaat, an area that has been under dispute in recent months following the creation of a new administrative Boma.
Authorities said investigations into the incident are ongoing as efforts continue to prevent further escalation.
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