Governor Adil sacks Juba mayor after attack on female vendor sparked public uproar 

JUBA, SEPTEMBER 16, 2023 (SUDANS POST) – The governor of South Sudan’s Central Equatoria State, Emmanuel Adil Anthony, on Friday revoked the assignment of the Commissioner of Lainya County, Emmanuel Khamis Richard, as acting mayor of Juba City.

In a statement seen by Sudans Post, the governor’s office said Martin Simon Wani, the Chief Executive Officer of Juba City Council, will serve in the place of the fired mayor until the governor names a new mayor for the capital.

“The governor immediately directs the Chief Executive Officer of Juba City Council, Can. Martin Simon Wani, to supervise the general activities of Juba City Council until a substantive mayor is appointed as soon as possible,” the statement reads in part.

The sacking comes a few days after the acting mayor attempted to slap a female street vendor as he was expelling vendors near the University of Juba. The incident sparked controversy among the general public, with many calling for his removal.

He was also summoned by the Juba City Legislative Assembly, but despite accepting the summons, he asked for fourteen working days to prepare what he said would be an “evidence-based” report on the controversial incident.

ACTIVISTS WELCOME SACKING

In a statement, South Sudan activist and Executive Director of INTREPID South Sudan Bol Deng Bol thanked the governor of Central Equatoria State for sacking the mayor and called for a lawsuit against him.

“To the Governor of Central Equatoria State, H.E. Adil Anthony, for firing the acting mayor of Juba City Council this evening. This is a significant step in ensuring accountability,” Bol, who is also the chairperson of Jonglei Civil Society Network, said.

“I am appealing for a legal suit to be launched against him immediately to answer for his recent actions against the street vendors. Let’s fight impunity at all costs,” he added.