27th June, 2025
I am expressing my deep concern over the increasing centralization of authority in South Sudan, particularly the efforts to undermine Central Equatoria State (CES) and the governance of its capital, Juba, by the junta regime in Juba.
Across democratic societies worldwide—and under South Sudan’s own Local Government Act of 2009—local leaders such as mayors and county commissioners are expected to be elected by the people, ensuring that local governance remains accountable, participatory, and responsive. Regrettably, the law remains unimplemented, and appointments to key local offices continue to be made through centralized authority rather than democratic processes.
Recent moves to nationalize the Juba City Council, under the claim that it solely belongs to the national government, raise significant concerns. These actions not only diminish the constitutional role of CES but also undermine the principles of decentralization enshrined in the peace agreements and governance frameworks of South Sudan.
Notably, similar centralization measures are not being implemented in other cities such as Wau or Malakal. This selective application raises a fundamental question: why is Juba—the capital of CES and the wider Equatoria region—being targeted?
There is growing
concern that this centralization is financially motivated. Juba, as a major
economic hub, generates considerable local revenue.
However, instead of supporting state development and local services, the national government wants to collect revenues within Juba city, and the regime is well without transparency. A particularly troubling example is the handling of non-oil revenue collected from Nimule, which reportedly contributes over 70% of the country’s non-oil income. These funds have not been equitably shared with Eastern Equatoria State (EES), where the town is located, raising issues of economic justice and accountability.
The lack of transparency in revenue distribution—whether from oil-producing regions like Unity and Upper Nile or from border trade hubs like Nimule—continues to undermine the fiscal autonomy of states. The recent closure of the CES State Revenue Office in Nesitu and its transfer under the National Revenue Authority (NRA) further exacerbate the problem. Such actions erode state capacity and strip CES of vital income needed for service delivery, infrastructure, and local governance.
These developments point to a broader economic and political trend: the weakening of state institutions through unilateral decision-making and centralized control of public resources. If left unchecked, this approach risks deepening inequality, inflaming regional grievances, and weakening national cohesion.
Therefore, we call for
1. The immediate implementation of the Local Government Act, 2009, to ensure local officials are democratically elected and local governments are empowered.
2. Respect for the constitutional and administrative role of Central Equatoria State, particularly in managing Juba as both a state and regional capital.
3. Transparent and equitable sharing of oil and non-oil revenue, including income from Nimule and other high-revenue areas.
4. The depoliticization and reform of the National Revenue Authority, to ensure revenue collection benefits the public and not private interests.
5. Commitment to the principles of federalism, which allow all regions and communities to participate meaningfully in national development.
The people of Central Equatoria—and all South Sudanese—deserve a government that listens to their voices, respects their autonomy, and governs with transparency and fairness.
END
Pasted for Consumption.
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