Schools and several businesses in Yei town came to a standstill during Central Equatoria State Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony’s tour of Yei River County.
Governor Adil and his delegation, comprising senior government officials, arrived in Yei on Aug. 10, 2026, following visits to Kajo-Keji and Lainya counties.
On his first day in Yei, Governor Adil held several activities, including meetings and training sessions with members of his political party, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).
The following day, Governor Adil was joined by Vice President and Economic Cluster Chairperson James Wani Igga, who travelled from Juba to Yei. The two SPLM leaders subsequently held a political rally at Yei Freedom Square.
Addressing the gathering, the leaders highlighted development programmes in Yei River County and across Central Equatoria State. They also reiterated the government’s readiness to conduct the December 2026 general elections.
However, public and private schools in Yei town were closed on Tuesday, while several shops were also shut following a directive issued by local authorities.
Such actions raise an important question: Do political rallies of this kind warrant the closure of schools and businesses?
Ultimately, the answer is no.
A political tour or campaign rally does not, in itself, automatically justify the closure of schools and businesses. Such measures may be warranted in exceptional circumstances, such as serious traffic disruptions or credible public safety risks. But there is no indication that such circumstances existed in Yei.
Closing schools and businesses in Yei for a political rally harms the community and restricts normal economic and social activity.
Students lose valuable learning time, particularly in fragile settings where education is already disrupted by conflict, displacement or poverty.
Traders and small business owners also suffer immediate financial losses. In a town such as Yei, where many livelihoods are precarious, even a single day of closure can deepen economic hardship. Such disruptions can also reduce local government revenue from taxes and business activity.
When governance prioritises political rallies over classrooms and markets, it can send a troubling message about public priorities. Leadership should strengthen institutions and protect citizens’ livelihoods, rather than suspend ordinary activities for political events.
Such decisions also risk eroding public confidence. Citizens may feel pressured to participate in political gatherings rather than engage voluntarily in political life.
Consistent with democratic norms, political tours and rallies should coexist with everyday life, not override it. The strength of a political rally should be measured by the voluntary participation of citizens, not by the forced closure of schools, shops or other businesses.
The writer, Bosco Bush, is an independent South Sudanese journalist. He is also pursuing studies in Leadership and Management at Emmanuel Christian University, combining his media experience with an interest in governance and public leadership.
The views expressed in ‘opinion’ articles published by Radio Tamazuj are solely those of the writer. The veracity of any claims made is the responsibility of the author, not Radio Tamazuj.
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