Morobo County: A Hidden Gold Deserving Development and Justice

OPINION (Yeka Joel Denis ) Morobo County, one of South Sudan’s 79 counties, stands at a crossroads between immense potential and the harsh reality of neglect. Blessed with lush forests and valuable natural resources—including gold—Morobo has every reason to prosper. Yet its people continue to struggle for basic services that remain painfully out of reach.

Situated along international borders with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Morobo has the potential to become a vibrant hub for cross-border trade and economic growth. Instead, the county faces severe shortages in essential services. There are only two faith-based primary schools serving the community, and the county hospital operates without a medical director. In such conditions, how can our children receive quality education, and how can families access proper healthcare?

Revenue collected from the Kaya customs point should be contributing directly to the development of the county. Unfortunately, the people of Morobo rarely see the benefits of these resources. For many residents, development remains a distant dream rather than a lived reality.

Morobo’s history is deeply tied to the sacrifices made during the 21-year civil war that led to South Sudan’s independence. Many sons and daughters of this county stood firm in the liberation struggle, supported by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM). Their resilience and commitment to freedom helped shape the nation we know today.

In 2016, conflict once again devastated Morobo, reducing buildings and infrastructure to rubble. Yet the spirit of the community endured. The people rebuilt their lives with courage and determination. Now, as the country approaches another election cycle, an important question must be asked: where is the support for rebuilding and development?

The citizens of Morobo have given so much to this country. Their sacrifices, resilience, and loyalty deserve recognition through meaningful development. They deserve functioning schools, well-equipped hospitals, reliable infrastructure, and accountable leadership.

As the memories of past conflicts linger, the need for strong advocacy becomes more urgent than ever. Who will stand up for Morobo? Who will ensure that the county finally receives the services it deserves?

The people of Morobo are not asking for charity—they are asking for fairness, accountability, and inclusion in the nation’s development. With elections on the horizon, leaders must demonstrate their commitment by prioritizing the needs of this long-neglected county.

We urge our leaders to invest in Morobo by ensuring that the resources generated from its land are used to build schools, hospitals, and infrastructure that can support both present and future generations.

Morobo must not be forgotten.

Though our memories are marked by hardship, our hopes for a better future remain strong. It is time for change—change that respects the sacrifices of the past, honors the role played by the SPLM in the liberation struggle, and invests in the promise of Morobo’s future.

Together, we can build a county that thrives, reflecting the resilience, courage, and determination of its people.

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