Central Equatoria State, governor, Rabi Mujung Emmanuel, has proposed a plan to establish a special court to deal with land grabbing and other land disputes in the state.
This was revealed after a meeting between Governor Mujung and Chief Justice Baak Deng on Tuesday, where key concerns of land issues and social crimes topped their discussion.
Speaking to the media after their meeting, Governor Mujung said the measure is part of attempts to bolster law enforcement to avoid land grabbing and handle conflicts peacefully.
He said this move followed President Kiir’s recent directive to collaborate with the judiciary on land problems.
“We deliberated among ourselves and needed to engage the Judiciary so that a special court is established to deal with land grabbing,” Governor Mujung said.
In addition to land issues, the leaders also addressed rising crimes by gangs locally known as “niggas/torontos,” robberies, and suicides in Juba and across the State.
Governor Mujung requested a separate special court that would handle these public order cases. He further discussed with the Chief Justice a request from the Kajo-Keji County Commissioner to deploy 2nd and 3rd grade judges to resolve pending cases.
Governor Mujung, who took office two months ago, has been fighting to combat the state’s worrying increase in insecurity.
During his swearing-in ceremony in June, the head of state tasked the Governor to address insecurity, restore peace and stability, and resolve land disputes.
However, the state’s security network is complicated by local armed groups, cross-border conflicts, and ongoing crime, making it hard for him to tackle the widespread insecurity, which has included road ambushes, abductions, sexual violence, mass displacement, and property devastation.
Following the discussion, the two leaders underscored the need for close cooperation to uphold the rule of law and ensure justice for citizens.
Governor Mujung described the meeting as fruitful and a vital step in strengthening intergovernmental relations.
