Four civil servants detained over salary differences in Jonglei

BOR – A dispute over salary discrepancies in Jonglei State has led to the detention of four civil servants who confronted a committee responsible for paying salaries.

The detained civil servants—Makuei Ajak, Kur Bech, Mayen Ghai, and Ajieth Aboul—were arrested on Thursday following their demand for payment from the committee before its return to Juba.

Mayen Ghai Wel, one of those detained, told Sudans Post yesterday that their ordeal began when they sought clarity from local government officials and the acting governor, who directed them to the payment committee responsible for disbursing July arrears.

“Yesterday, we approached the committee representing the nine counties of Jonglei State to request that they refrain from returning to Juba until they settle our salaries,” Mayen said.

“This led to a heated argument with the committee, resulting in our arrest by security personnel,” he added.

Makuei expressed uncertainty about the charges against them, mentioning their scheduled investigation set for today, Friday.

“We are waiting to understand the accusations leveled against us as the trial date approaches,” he said yesterday.

He further emphasized the unfairness in the selective payment to state ministries while neglecting civil servants from the nine counties. “It’s unjust. We, four detainees, hail from two counties within Jonglei but represent the larger nine counties. Do they assume we have no families to support?” questioned Makuei.

Meanwhile, Bol Deng Bol, the executive director of INTREPID South Sudan, expressed frustration over the delay in salary payments to civil servants.

“The delay in salary disbursement to civil servants across Jonglei State has led to discontent.

“Some civil servants have not received salaries for over two weeks, prompting this confrontation,” Bol remarked, highlighting the pressing concern and urging state authorities to handle the matter with tolerance.

Bol appealed to both the state government and the payment committee to expedite the payment of civil servants without further delay, underscoring the urgency of addressing the issue.

Efforts to reach Jonglei State police authorities for comment by Sudans Post remained unanswered at the time of reporting.