Juba City Council (JCC) has pledged, as a local government authority, to maintain law and order within its jurisdiction, saying its primary responsibility is the enforcement of municipal laws and city ordinances.
On Tuesday, traders in Juba faulted JCC Mayor Christopher Sarafino Wani Swaka and Juba County Commissioner Emmanuel Tete Ezbon for unlawfully interfering in the leadership of the local chamber of commerce and abruptly increasing market fees that they say have led to skyrocketing food prices and economic hardships.
At the time, the mayor told Radio Tamauj that the matter arose from a jurisdictional conflict between the Chamber of Commerce-Juba City Council, Chamber of Commerce-Central Equatoria State, and South Sudan Chamber of Commerce within the jurisdiction of the Juba City Council, that the matter is before the court, and that he cannot discuss it due to the subjudice rule.
However, a press release signed by JCC Chief Executive Officer Mogga Ngwangki Laki, on Wednesday, said the Council wishes to state unequivocally that it does not possess the authority to appoint, relieve, or interfere with the internal leadership of associations or civil society organizations.
“The JCC operates strictly within the legal framework of the Republic of South Sudan and is committed to implementing only those orders that are lawful and constitutionally sound,” the statement reads in part. “The JCC is empowered to collect mandated fees and taxes as stipulated in the Local Government Act, 2009. These activities are strictly regulated by an annual Tax Schedule, which is reviewed and passed by the Juba City Legislative Council to ensure transparency and accountability.”
“Under Article 57(a) of the Local Government Act 2009, the safety and peace of Juba’s residents remain our highest priority. Any entity or individual found to be endangering public order or the security of citizens will be dealt with firmly under the existing laws,” it added.
JCC urged all residents, commercial entities, and civil society organizations to abide by all standing laws and municipal ordinances, cooperate with city authorities to ensure Juba remains a habitable and secure environment, and support ongoing initiatives to keep our city clean, green, and secure for the common good.
“The JCC remains dedicated to serving the people of Juba through the rule of law and effective governance,” the statement concluded.