The government of Central Equatoria State has announced plans to abolish traditional courts operating without official approval in Juba.
State officials disclosed the decision during the weekly security meeting held on Tuesday at the state secretariat in Juba, which assesses security concerns and explores solutions for improving stability, highlighted the unauthorized operations of traditional courts.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Jacob Aligo Lo-Lado, the State Acting Minister of Information and Communication, stated that the security committee acknowledged the existence of unregulated traditional courts and agreed that they would be dissolved immediately due to their lack of legal jurisdiction.
“The security committee urges the public to stop engaging with these courts, as they lack government approval,” Aligo stated.
He directed citizens to seek justice through formal judicial systems, emphasizing that only C and B court systems are legally recognized by the state.
Furthermore, the minister urged traditional chiefs involved in unauthorized judicial activities to cease operations, warning that authorities will conduct investigations and enforce the abolishment of existing informal courts.
In addition to the discussion on traditional courts, the meeting also addressed recurring concerns over land grabbing, particularly in Muluburr (Ladu Payam) and Nyamini, an area on the outskirts of Juba.
Officials emphasized the urgency of addressing illegal land occupation, with Minister Aligo revealing that authorities have been tasked with curbing land grabbing and unauthorized settlements.
“There is intensive land grabbing in Ladu Payam, and the Security Committee has directed the Commissioner of Juba County, the State Security Advisor, the Minister of Lands, Housing, and Public Utilities, and local community representatives to establish a plan for demolishing illegally erected structures,” he explained.
The meeting, chaired by Deputy Chairperson Paulino Lukudu Obede, resolved that necessary actions will be taken to ensure compliance with land regulations and prevent unauthorized settlements.
The government’s move to enforce legal structures and address land disputes underscores the state’s commitment to strengthening security and governance in Central Equatoria.
