KAJOKEJI RESPONDS: OPEN LETTER TO THE CENTRAL EQUATORIA STATE CABINET ON THE APPROVAL OF THE KAJO-KEJI CEMENT MINING PROJECT

Letter shared as written

Date: 4th October 2025.

Location: Kajo-Keji County, Central Equatoria State, Republic of South Sudan

To:

The Honourable Cabinet Ministers of Central Equatoria State

Government of the Republic of South Sudan

Juba.

Subject: Community Position on the Approval of the Kajo-Keji Cement Mining Project

Dear Honorable Ministers,

We, the people of Kajo-Keji County, have learned of the recent approval of the Cement Mining Project to be undertaken within our community. We recognize and appreciate the government’s efforts to promote economic development, industrial growth, and job creation in our State.

However, as the custodians of our ancestral land and natural resources, we believe that any development project — particularly a mining operation of this magnitude — must be conducted with full respect for the rights, welfare, and participation of the host community.

Before the project commences, the people of Kajo-Keji demand the signing of a binding Community Development Agreement (CDA) between the mining company and the community. This agreement should clearly outline the obligations, benefits, and protections for our people in line with national laws and international standards of responsible mining.

Our Key Community Demands.

1. Compensation and Resettlement

Fair and transparent compensation for all individuals and families whose land or livelihoods are affected by the mining project.

Proper resettlement, with adequate housing, farmland, schools, and health facilities for displaced persons before mining begins.

2. Infrastructure Development

Construction of the Juba–Kajo-Keji Road and internal roads linking all Payams, Bomas, and administrative centers.

Building of public offices, bridges, and social infrastructure to enhance mobility and service delivery.

3. Education Development

Construction of 3 Nursery Schools, 3 Primary Schools, and 2 University or Vocational Institutions in each Payam.

Provision of scholarships for bright but needy students from Kajo-Keji to pursue higher education in technical, engineering, and environmental fields related to the project.

4. Water and Sanitation

Improvement and expansion of clean water systems, boreholes, and sanitation facilities across the County.

5. Employment and Training

Priority employment for qualified residents of Kajo-Keji at all levels of the company’s operations.

Establishment of training and apprenticeship programs for local youth, women, and vulnerable groups to build skills in mining, construction, and environmental management.

6. Environmental Protection and Health

Conduct and public disclosure of a comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) before operations begin.

Establishment of environmental monitoring systems to prevent pollution of air, soil, and water.

Support for health centers to address health challenges that may arise from mining activities.

7. Community Development Fund

Creation of a Community Development Fund (CDF) equivalent to a fair percentage of the company’s annual profits.

The fund shall support roads, schools, health centers, agriculture, and youth development initiatives, managed jointly by the community and company representatives.

8. Transparency and Accountability

Public disclosure of all agreements, environmental assessments, and revenue-sharing mechanisms.

Regular community consultations and reports on the project’s progress and community benefits.

9. Security and Cultural Protection

Assurance of community security and safety during project operations.

Protection of cultural and historical sites, sacred lands, and cemeteries from destruction or displacement.

10. Periodic Review and Oversight

The Community Development Agreement should be reviewed every two years to assess compliance and address new community priorities.

Conclusion

The people of Kajo-Keji are not against development, but we demand development with dignity, fairness, and shared prosperity. We urge the Central Equatoria State Government and the mining company to engage our community leadership, civil society, youth, and women’s representatives in transparent dialogue before any ground activity begins.

By doing so, this project can become a model for inclusive and sustainable mining in South Sudan — one that uplifts our people while contributing to national progress.

Signed:

On behalf of the People of Kajo-Keji County

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The letter is shared as it is written.