In an administrative order dated July 5, the commissioner instructed all chiefs to present themselves at the county headquarters before July 9, warning that failure to comply would result in the forfeiture of their traditional leadership roles.
“This administrative order serves to notify all of you that you are given only four days to report yourselves to the county headquarters,” the order states.
The directive was addressed to “all chiefs of 13 payams across Ayod County” and set a strict deadline for compliance.
“You are all to come and attend [the] 9th July at the county headquarters, and failing to come, consider yourself as losing your chieftaincy,” the order reads.
The commissioner did not provide reasons for the directive or explain why all chiefs were being summoned simultaneously.
The order comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions in Jonglei State following clashes on Sunday between the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) and government-allied forces.
The fighting culminated in the SPLA-IO’s capture of Walgak and the killing of Akobo County Commissioner James Makuach, according to statements issued by the opposition movement. The incident has heightened security concerns across neighbouring counties, including Ayod.
The deadline set by Commissioner Chuol also coincides with South Sudan’s Independence Day celebrations on July 9, although the order does not indicate whether the chiefs are being called to participate in official commemorations or to attend a security or administrative meeting.
The directive’s warning that chiefs who fail to report should “consider yourselves as losing your chieftaincy” suggests county authorities intend to strictly enforce the order, though it remains unclear what legal or administrative process would be followed to replace chiefs who do not comply.
