Graveyards in Juba have long suffered from poor enforcement and land pressure, but this is the first major policy level action to reclaim and protect them. The move is expected to ease tensions among bereaved families and improve the general safety of burial grounds in the state/Photo: Central Equatoria State Government Press Unit (CESGPU)
(JUBA) – The Central Equatoria State (CES) Council of Ministers has ordered the eviction of people residing in graveyards in and around Juba, citing serious concerns over public safety, access to burial grounds and criminal activities.
The decision was made during the Council’s weekly meeting on Thursday, chaired by the Governor of Central Equatoria State, Lt. Gen. Rabi Mujung Emmanuel.
The meeting highlighted increasing reports that certain graveyards had been occupied by individuals who not only disrupted burials but also prevented families from accessing the graves of their deceased relatives.
According to Hon. Jacob Aligo Lo-Lado, Acting State Minister of Information and Communication, the Cabinet has instructed the Commissioner of Juba County and the Mayor of Juba City Council to intervene and ensure that all graveyards are vacated and protected.
He also said the Minister of Housing, Land and Public Utilities has been tasked with incorporating designated graveyard space into land demarcation plans to address the growing shortage of burial land in the state capital.
“We have received concerns over insecurity, especially in the Moroyok graveyard, west of Juba near the former Protection of Civilian (PoC) camp, and in the Jebel Lemon graveyard,” said Hon. Aligo. “Some individuals have occupied these graveyards and occasionally threaten people going for burials.”
He further directed the Juba County Commissioner to ensure the safety of mourners, while the Mayor of Juba City Council has been assigned to clear the Hai Malakal graveyard and install fencing to protect and preserve the dignity of the deceased.
While addressing wider security issues in the state, Hon. Aligo reported that Central Equatoria remains largely stable, with the exception of Morobo and Yei River counties. Insecurity in those areas has resulted in the displacement of residents, although efforts to restore calm are ongoing.
The Minister also noted an increase in suicide cases in Juba County. He stated that the responsible government institutions have been directed to urgently investigate and respond to the grim trend.
Other issues raised during the Cabinet session included policy memoranda from the Minister of Peacebuilding and the Minister of Labour and Human Resource Development. However, both items were deferred for further discussion in future meetings.
Summary of Key Directives from the CES Cabinet Session
| Issue | Directive/Action |
|---|---|
| Graveyard Occupation | Immediate evacuation of Moroyok, Jebel Lemon, Hai Malakal |
| Graveyard Protection | Fencing of Hai Malakal; future land demarcation to include cemeteries |
| Public Safety | Security measures ordered around graveyards |
| Suicide Cases in Juba | Urgent investigation and response by relevant institutions |
| State Security | Stability maintained except in Morobo and Yei |
| Displaced Residents | Peace and stability restoration efforts ongoing |
| Deferred Cabinet Memos | Peacebuilding, Labour and HR memos postponed for review |
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