Mangalla Residents Request State Action on Boat Dependence

(JUBA COUNTY) – Residents from Mangalla have called on Central Equatoria State Governor Rabi Mujung Emmanuel to take immediate action on growing insecurity, poor health services and failing road links affecting their area.

A delegation led by Chairman Sule Lado Sule met the Governor in Juba on Friday and warned that communities will continue to suffer unless armed herders are removed and clashes between farmers and cattle keepers are stopped.

They said cattle from other regions continue to roam freely in Mangalla, threatening farms and homes.

The group also drew attention to internally displaced people from Bor who have remained in Mangalla since 2021 without a clear government plan.

Chiefs and community elders complained that residents are forced to use boats to cross into Juba due to the poor state of the road, which they described as a major barrier to trade and medical access.

Women representatives said health services are weak, with mothers and children lacking access to treatment. Others raised complaints of illegal land allocation and unfair settlement without approval from local leaders.

Governor Mujung welcomed the delegation and praised them for coming peacefully with their demands. He said peace, unity and security remain his top priorities and promised to raise each concern with the relevant institutions.

He mentioned recent talks held between herders in Terekeka and farmers in Juba as part of efforts to reduce tensions.

He assured the delegation that land disputes will be addressed and that enforcement will follow against those involved in illegal demarcation.

According to the state government press unit CESGPU, the meeting ended with both sides agreeing to work together in the hope of restoring calm and improving services in Mangalla.

Issues Raised and Government Position