By Emmanuel Mandella

The Acting Governor of Western Equatoria State, Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa, has issued a decree reverting the Nadiangere Administrative Area to its former status as a Payam.

This decision overturns the previous elevation of Nadiangere to an autonomous area from Yambio County by former Governor Alfred Futuyo Karaba in July 2024.

Governor Futuyo’s initial decision aimed to address service delivery challenges in Nadiangere, citing its considerable distance from Yambio town and the resultant limited access to essential services.

However, Acting Governor Badagbu said his decree emphasizes adherence to constitutional provisions and the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) 2018.

In an attempt to address land issues, Badagbu issued an order canceling private land leases on government plots, including ministries’ lands, radio stations, and school lands.

He said the action aims to curb unauthorized land acquisitions and ensure public lands serve their intended purposes.

Land disputes have been a persistent issue in South Sudan. In August 2023, Juba County Commissioner Charles Joseph Wani accused senior government officials of participating in illegal land acquisitions, exacerbating tensions, and displacing residents.  

Similarly, in February 2021, chiefs from Rajaf Payam petitioned the Central Equatoria State governor over persistent land-grabbing incidents involving military officers and private individuals.