Photo: Central Equatoria State Government Press Unit (CESGPU)
(JUBA COUNTY) – The community of Ganji Payam in Juba County has called on the Central Equatoria State Government to take urgent action against illegal gold mining, insecurity caused by armed cattle herders and poor road infrastructure affecting their area.
The appeal was made on Saturday, 5 July 2025, during a courtesy visit to Governor Lt. Gen. Rabi Mujung Emmanuel at his residence in Juba. The visit was organised to congratulate him on his recent appointment as Governor and to raise issues affecting the lives of the people in Ganji.
Speaking on behalf of the community, local leaders pointed out a growing list of challenges that are threatening peace, livelihoods and development in the Payam. They asked for quick intervention from the State Government to resolve them before the situation worsens.
The main concerns raised included illegal gold mining operations believed to be contributing to rising insecurity in the area. According to the community, these unregulated activities are attracting armed groups, fuelling land conflicts and causing environmental damage.
Another pressing issue was the continued encroachment by armed cattle herders, which has led to increased tensions between local residents and nomadic groups. The community said the presence of the herders had disrupted farming and movement, causing fear among villagers.
“We are no longer safe in our own land,” one community member reportedly said. “Our gardens are being destroyed, and we live in fear every day.”
The poor condition of roads in Ganji was also raised. Residents explained that poor road networks have cut them off from essential services such as health care, education and markets. Transporting goods and people has become increasingly difficult, raising the cost of living in the area.
| Issue | Impact on Community |
|---|---|
| Illegal gold mining | Insecurity, land disputes, environmental degradation |
| Armed cattle herder encroachment | Displacement, fear and farm destruction |
| Poor road infrastructure | Limited access to services and trade |
| Governance concerns | Weak community engagement in local decision making |
Mujung thanked the community for their visit and acknowledged the issues raised.
“I appreciate your support and your trust in this government,” he said. “We will look into the matters you have brought forward. Together, we must work for peace, unity and development in Central Equatoria.”
He also urged residents to promote peaceful coexistence and reconciliation within and beyond their communities.
“Peace starts with us. We must avoid division and build trust among ourselves,” he added.
No immediate financial commitments were made during the meeting, but residents expressed hope that the state response would lead to meaningful change in their area.
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