PIBOR – Tensions are rising in Jebel Boma County of the Greater Pibor Administrative Area following the arrest of seven residents amid growing controversy over a proposed land lease agreement and concerns surrounding gold mining operations in the area.
Community leaders have accused authorities in the region of suppressing public dissent after the detention of individuals who reportedly questioned decisions affecting local land ownership and the management of natural resources.
In a statement issued on June 10, the Jebel Boma Community Leadership Council condemned the arrests, which it claimed were carried out on the orders of the Chief Administrator of the Greater Pibor Administrative Area, Gola Boyoi Gola.
“The Jebel Boma Community Leadership Council strongly condemns the arrest and detention of seven community members allegedly ordered by the Chief Administrator of the Greater Pibor Administrative Area,” the statement said.
According to the council, the seven residents were arrested after expressing concerns over a proposed lease of community land to Lyn Curry Boma Tourist Company and seeking greater transparency regarding ongoing gold mining activities in Raat Payam.
The arrests have sparked anxiety among residents, who fear that legitimate questions about land use, investment agreements, and resource management are being met with intimidation rather than dialogue.
“The arrests are viewed by the community as an attempt to silence citizens who have peacefully exercised their right to express concerns regarding the proposed leasing of Jebel Boma land to Lyn Curry Boma Tourist Company and to demand transparency and accountability regarding the ongoing gold mining activities in Raat Payam,” the council stated.
Community leaders argue that residents have a right to understand how decisions concerning their ancestral land and mineral resources are being made, particularly when such decisions could have long-term implications for local livelihoods and development.
“The people of Jebel Boma have legitimate concerns over matters affecting their ancestral land, natural resources, and future development,” the statement said. “Raising questions about land use, investment agreements, and the management of mineral resources should not be undermined.”
The controversy comes amid broader concerns in parts of South Sudan over community participation in investment projects involving land, wildlife conservation areas, and extractive industries. Local leaders in Jebel Boma say transparency is essential to maintaining trust between communities and government authorities.
The council further emphasized that citizens should be able to voice their opinions and seek information without fear of arrest or persecution.
“Citizens have the right to seek information, participate in decisions affecting their communities, and express their views without fear of intimidation, arrest, or persecution,” it said.
Community representatives warned that the detention of the seven residents risks deepening mistrust and escalating tensions at a time when constructive engagement is needed. They argued that open consultations would be a more effective way of addressing public concerns than the use of security measures.
“The Community Leadership Council believes that the detention of these individuals undermines dialogue, public participation, and the principles of good governance,” the statement noted.
The council called on the GPAA administration to provide clear information regarding the proposed land lease arrangement, the management of revenues generated from gold mining activities in Raat Payam, and proceeds associated with conservation initiatives linked to African Parks.
It also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the detainees and urged authorities to respect constitutional rights, promote public participation, and ensure transparency in the management of natural resources and investment projects.
Despite the growing dispute, community leaders said they remain committed to peaceful means of resolving the issue.
“The Jebel Boma community remains committed to peaceful dialogue, justice, transparency, and the protection of community rights,” the statement said. “We urge the authorities to address these concerns through lawful and constructive engagement rather than coercive measures.”
The statement was signed by Rev. Joseph Romolem Ngare, Chairperson of the Jebel Boma Community Leadership Council, Youth Representative Konyi Nyelili Mudech, and Women Representative Mary Hassan Turki.
Authorities in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area had not publicly responded to the allegations by the time of publication, leaving questions unanswered about the circumstances surrounding the arrests and the status of the proposed land lease and mining arrangements.
