The South Sudan National Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (SSNCCIA) has strongly rejected reports alleging that an interim chairperson was elected during a recent general assembly, describing the claims as unconstitutional, unauthorised, and misleading.
In a press statement issued on Monday and reinforced during a press conference in Juba, SSNCCIA Chairperson Ladu Lukak Lege dismissed media reports published by Aweil News Agency claiming that Bona Bol Bol Arech had been elected as “Interim Chairman” of the Chamber.
“The meeting being cited was neither sanctioned nor constitutional, and its outcomes are not recognized by the lawful leadership of the Chamber,” Lukak told journalists. “The South Sudan Chamber of Commerce operates strictly under its constitution, and any action taken outside that framework has no legal standing.”
Lukak explained that he assumed leadership through constitutional succession following the departure of former Chairperson Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, who left the position to take up national duties. Under the Chamber’s constitution, the First Deputy Chairperson automatically assumes office in such circumstances.
He further clarified that only the sitting chairperson has the authority to convene and preside over a general assembly meeting, noting that no such session had been called or endorsed by the Chamber’s legitimate leadership.
“A general assembly is not something that can be declared by individuals,” Lukak said. “It must follow clear procedures, proper documentation, and constitutional authority. What we are seeing is an attempt to bypass the law.”
According to the Chamber, SSNCCIA’s leadership structure follows a clearly defined pathway, beginning at county-level chambers, progressing through state chambers, and culminating at the national level. Any attempt to establish leadership outside this representative process, the statement said, is null and void.
During the press conference, Lukak warned that continued misrepresentation of the Chamber could attract legal consequences.
“We respect freedom of association, but we cannot allow people to misrepresent the Chamber or confuse the public,” he said. “If actions continue in violation of the constitution, legal measures will be taken to protect the institution.”
For transparency, SSNCCIA revealed that its National Secretariat is already developing a formal electoral roadmap ahead of the next scheduled elections in 2027. The Chamber said the process will be conducted in full accordance with the constitution and will ensure inclusive participation of members across the country.
The Chamber also said it has not received any formal complaint or petition from the General Assembly, which is its highest constitutional body, describing the claims of dissatisfaction within its membership as unfounded.
“It is surprising that individuals without a recognized mandate are attempting to claim authority,” Lukak said. “The Chamber has official records, a constitution, registered leadership, and recognized symbols that cannot be replaced by informal gatherings.”
SSNCCIA urged its members, government institutions, development partners, and the public to disregard any claims of leadership change arising from the reported meeting and to engage only with the constitutionally recognized leadership.
At the end of the press conference, Lukak commended members and security personnel for maintaining calm, saying the situation had been managed peacefully and responsibly.
“Our commitment remains lawful governance, institutional order, and the protection of the private sector,” he said. “Unity and stability are essential, especially at a time when the business community is facing enormous challenges.”
For his part, Abraham Mayak, a board member and adviser of the South Sudan Chamber of Commerce, also condemned the reported meeting, describing it as illegal and unconstitutional. He warned that such actions risk creating instability in the market and misleading the public.
Mayak said the Chamber’s constitution clearly outlines a bottom-up electoral process, beginning at the state level and culminating at the national level, with representatives from all ten states and three administrative areas required to participate. He noted that this procedure was not followed in the alleged General Assembly.
He stressed that the Chamber does not wish to contribute to insecurity in the country and urged those involved to engage with the Chairperson and follow lawful procedures, including allowing the Chairperson to convene a General Assembly if necessary.
Meanwhile, Robert Pitia Francis, a member of the Chamber of Commerce representing the states, said the alleged meeting did not involve legitimate representatives from South Sudan’s ten states and three administrative areas.
He stated that state-level members had not sent any delegates to the gathering and condemned the actions as irregular.
Francis said representatives from the states had formally rejected the claimed leadership change and communicated their position to media houses.
He urged individuals seeking leadership positions within the Chamber to follow the constitutional procedures, noting that proper elections are scheduled for next year and will involve delegates from all states and administrative areas, with the process conducted transparently and in line with the Chamber’s constitution.