The directive was issued on Friday after Governor Lobong convened a consultative meeting with mining companies affected by the recent disruption at the Nakere mining site to assess the causes of the incident and agree on measures to prevent a recurrence.
During the meeting, the governor apologised to the affected companies, acknowledging shortcomings on the part of the state government.
“Governor Lobong conveyed his sincere apologies to the affected companies on behalf of the State Government, acknowledging administrative shortcomings that may have contributed to the unfortunate incident,” the governor’s office said in a statement.
However, the governor also said community representatives who signed agreements with mining companies had a responsibility to protect investments, maintain communication with residents, and alert authorities to emerging grievances.
According to the statement, the state government’s assessment found that the unrest was largely driven by perceptions that local communities had not benefited sufficiently from mining activities.
Among the concerns raised by residents were allegations of environmental degradation and water pollution, diversion of streams and water sources, disturbance of ancestral spiritual sites, inadequate employment opportunities for local residents, limited benefits from gold mining activities, and insufficient corporate social responsibility projects.
The statement noted that communities complained about a lack of investments in roads, healthcare, education, and access to clean water.
Governor Lobong criticised some community leaders for failing to adequately explain the contents of memoranda of understanding signed with mining companies, particularly provisions relating to community benefits and revenue-sharing arrangements.
He also faulted area members of parliament for failing to exercise sufficient oversight over environmental issues and community grievances.
“The Governor criticised the failure of some community leaders to adequately explain the contents of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), including community benefits and revenue-sharing arrangements,” the statement said.
The governor further questioned whether regular consultations were being held between mining companies and community leaders and whether communities were being informed about decisions reached during such engagements.
“He stressed the importance of strengthening community engagement and adopting best practices to build trust,” the statement added.
As an immediate response to the unrest, Governor Lobong directed all affected companies to suspend their activities.
“As an immediate measure, the Governor directed all affected mining companies, including those operating in similarly affected areas, to temporarily suspend operations until adequate security and preventive measures are put in place,” the statement said.
The governor further stated that companies unwilling to continue operating under the prevailing conditions would be free to cease their activities in Eastern Equatoria State.
Emphasising environmental protection, Lobong described water as a scarce and valuable resource in the region and urged mining companies to conduct their operations responsibly.
“Water is a scarce and invaluable resource in the region,” the governor said, urging companies to safeguard community livelihoods and ensure continued access to water.
The meeting also agreed that employment opportunities requiring limited technical expertise should, as much as possible, be reserved for South Sudanese nationals, particularly members of host communities, under the supervision of the State Ministry of Trade and Industry.
Mining companies attending the meeting acknowledged the concerns raised and pledged to cooperate in addressing the identified challenges.
Community leaders condemned the violence and vandalism that occurred during the recent unrest and reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and constructive engagement.
Nakere is home to key mineral exploration companies, including Nakere Gold Mining Company, Eastern Equatoria Mining Corporation, and Prudential Holdings.
The South Sudan Mining Act of 2012 mandates that mining companies must directly contribute to the economic development, social welfare, and environmental protection of the local communities affected by their activities.
However, these mandates remain partially fulfilled or completely ignored by many mining companies, not only in Kapoeta South, but across South Sudan in general.
