![Traditional chiefs in Northern Bahr el Ghazal state. [Photo courtesy]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1709008794414.jpg?resize=850%2C428&quality=89&ssl=1)
The incident occurred on Sunday when Dut Majak Majak and Gar Deng, chiefs from the respective counties, clashed over a construction project in the Wadwil area.
Information Minister Zechariah Garang Lual told reporters the dispute began when Chief Majak halted construction activity.
“The two chiefs have been suspended – Dut Majak and Gar Deng – over the land dispute,” Lual said. “The issue has been dragging on, and we don’t want it to escalate.”
Lual added that local lawmakers, including Dut Biar, travelled from Juba to intervene but were unable to locate the governor, who was meeting returnees in Eastern Aweil County.
“To prevent a potential fight in Wadwil, the decision was made to suspend the chiefs,” Lual explained. “Replacements have been appointed, and their cases will be reviewed.”
However, Majak denied receiving any official notification of his suspension.
“I haven’t been given a letter,” Majak said. “People just tell me I’m suspended. How can I be suspended without an official document? They say I should go to the county executive director for the suspension letter.”
Majak also refuted claims he instigated the land dispute.
Land disputes are common in South Sudan and can sometimes lead to violence and protracted communal conflicts.
