Central Equatoria Moves to Regulate Mining Activities

(JUBA COUNTY) – A special security meeting has reported that Central Equatoria State is largely calm, with only a few areas seeing criminal incidents, while authorities issued new orders to improve safety in suburbs and speed up mining regulations.

The State Security Committee, chaired by Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony, convened on Wednesday. Members reviewed the general situation and noted that the state remains peaceful, but some pockets of insecurity persist.

The committee discussed a rise in fire outbreaks and urged the public to take care, especially with items that can start fires such as faulty electrical connections and gas cylinders.

Directives were issued to authorities in Juba County and security organs to boost safety in residential areas including Gurei North and Gudele West, which have seen several robberies. In Terekeka, the commissioner was told to arrange the transfer of some detainees to Juba for investigation and court processes.

The meeting also pushed the State Mining Authority to move quickly to regulate mining activities across the state. All these steps are meant to secure stability and build public trust in the security sector.

Meanwhile, leaders from the church and government have made fresh calls for unity, peace and development during celebrations in Rokon. St. Peter and Paul’s Parish marked 25 years with a silver jubilee at Rokon Payam in Juba County on Monday.

The event gathered religious leaders, officials and worshippers to reflect on the parish’s role in spiritual growth, peacebuilding and community progress. The Governor’s message, delivered by the State Minister of Cabinet Affairs Augustine Ladu, restated the government’s commitment to restoring security and promoting peaceful living, unity and development. He asked the church to continue leading efforts toward unity and reconciliation.

Joyce Hadia Lino, an area member of the state parliament, praised the people of Rokon for their dedication and stressed the need for unity between the church and the faithful.

Juba County Commissioner Samuel Emiliano Wani Pitia called the church a key partner in development and said insecurity remains a major barrier to farming and economic growth. He announced that county authorities are moving to close down unauthorised clinics and businesses selling illegal drugs and substances.

He also pledged support for development efforts, including the renovation of Rokon Primary Health Care Centre, and urged citizens to cooperate and take responsibility.

Terekeka County Commissioner Emmanuel Loku Lodu announced the arrest of Jelle Lo Lobuyu and assured the people of Rokon that disturbances linked to him would stop, adding that the government remains committed to restoring peace.

The Chairperson of the Mobilisation Committee, Stephen Wani Michael, commended the work of the parish priest and called on the community to keep supporting the church in its spiritual and development mission.

Rokon Payam Director David Roja recognised the church’s role in local development and said that while security has somewhat improved, criminal acts and the presence of cattle herders still cause problems. He called for the removal of cattle herders to improve safety and confirmed the enforcement of local orders banning illegal drugs and harmful substances in the payam.

Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Juba, Santo Loku Pio, called for lasting solutions to the cattle herder issue and strong laws to address it permanently. He raised worries about insecurity, poor healthcare services, and shortages of medicines and other basic services. He appealed to leaders to show love, sacrifice and commitment to the development of the state and the country. He also shared concerns raised by communities across the payams of Juba County and thanked the congregation for their generosity and commitment.

Bishop Emmanuel Lomoro Eluzai of the Diocese of Rokon expressed deep thanks to the faithful for attending the historic celebration.

He acknowledged the trauma many residents have suffered due to insecurity and urged political and community leaders to stay united and avoid using political ties to divide the people of South Sudan. He also announced plans to mark 100 years of Christianity in Rokon.