IS MAGWI COUNTY TRIBALISED? A Response to Brother Francis Irra's Facebook Post

A Rebuttal to Brother Francis Irra’s Facebook Post

13-1-2026

Early this morning, I came across a post on my Brother Francis Irra’s timeline, which read:

“Why are the commissioners of Magwi County always appointed from the Acholi people? Does the county now belong to one tribe?”

Brother Irra has raised a genuine concern that deserves a sober and honest response. Unfortunately, most of the comments under his post were emotionally driven, shallow, and unhelpful. If such sentiments are left unchecked, they risk igniting unnecessary tension between the two beautiful communities of Magwi County, the Acholi and the Madi.

This response is therefore offered as a clarification and as a call for restraint, unity, and responsible dialogue. Whatever grievances exist must never be expressed in a manner that divides our people. After careful consideration, I find that the appointment of Acholi commissioners in Magwi County does not qualify as tribalism. Several key factors support this position: the appointing authority, power-sharing arrangements, political interests, party dynamics, and security considerations.

The Appointing Authority.

For an action to qualify as tribalism, power must be exercised by members of the same tribe in favour of their own. In this case, the appointing authority, the Governor, is not Acholi. Governor Lobong, who is a Toposa (In fact, he is an in-law of the Madi), appoints commissioners based on political and administrative considerations, not ethnic identity. Therefore, labelling these appointments as tribalism is inaccurate.

Power Distribution under R-ARCSS.

Under the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), political parties agreed on power sharing. Magwi County was allocated two key positions: The County Commissioner and A ministerial position at the state level. These positions were to be shared between the two main communities. The Madi community took the ministerial slot, while the Acholi took the commissionership, consistent with previous SPLM power-sharing arrangements post the defunct 32-state era. This partnership is a political agreement, not a tribal conspiracy as some might see.

Expression of Interest.

At present, the commissioner’s position is not elective. One must express interest and meet the required criteria to be considered. To my knowledge, no Madi individual has formally shown interest in the commissionership role under the current arrangement. The governor appoints from among those who come forward and qualify. This alone dismisses claims of deliberate exclusion.

Party Politics.

Magwi County is currently governed by the SPLM, in line with the 2018 peace agreement. It is well known that the Madi community has historically had strained relations with the SPLM due to past atrocities committed against them. As a result, few Madis actively and fully engage in SPLM party politics. Political parties naturally appoint individuals they trust to uphold party interests. This reality is political, not tribal.

Security Background.

The commissioner’s office is not merely administrative; it is deeply tied to county security and stability. While the constitution allows for civilian leadership, the current security situation demands strong security awareness and experience. It is difficult to identify many Madi generals within the SSPDF who are both willing and closely connected to the grassroots of Magwi County. Apart from Hon. Emilio Igga, few names stand out. This reality has influenced appointment decisions, whether we like it or not.

Conclusion:

With all these factors considered, I re-ask the question: Is Magwi County tribalised? My answer is a categorical no. This position is not taken to defend any tribe but to protect unity, truth, and peace in our County. Power sharing, party politics, expressed interest, and security realities, not tribalism, explain the current leadership reshuffle.

To those calling for an independent Madi County, I say this respectfully: this is not the time. The Acholi and Madi share a bond that history, geography, and survival have woven together. Anyone who believes either community can thrive alone in this critical moment is deceiving themselves and promoting failed tribal thinking.

I call upon all people of Magwi County to support whoever is appointed to lead, unless there are legitimate concerns about integrity or competence. Let us reject sentiments that divide us and instead build a future anchored in unity, justice, and mutual respect.

Abunerry, Ayella

Mavker, Kotev and Rabii

Torit