07/03/2026
My message to today’s meeting of Upper Nile State leaders in Juba.
Ustaz. Zachariah Paulino Oyay
Youth councilor, Panyikang County.
[email protected]
7th. March. 2026
I will not have the chance to attend the gathering of the sons and daughters of Upper Nile State in Juba today, but I would like to share this brief message, and I trust that my friend will ensure it reaches you all.
The issue we face in Upper Nile State, particularly across its 13 counties, is not centered around tribal disputes, although there are some ethnic elements involved; it primarily revolves around a vision crisis within the leadership of the SPLM!
To truly create a meaningful resolution to this issue, we must assess the situation from the correct perspective.
The existing insecurities in Upper Nile originate from internal conflicts for power among members of SPLM in the state. Leaders of the SPLM frequently fail to perceive themselves as national representatives advocating for our varied communities and instead act as ethnic politicians prioritizing the needs of their own groups.
The ongoing assaults on civilians, starting from Fashoda in 2023, Adong in 2025, and Baliet in 2026, to name a few, highlight the absence of protection for the civilians . Indeed, some events are conflicts engineered for political purposes to escalate animosity among citizens.
There is far more that unites us than separates us. The chains of conflict and the government’s aggression toward civilians have disrupted our tranquility and undermined our solidarity. It seems that the lives of ordinary people are of no significance to the political elite. Those opposing peace are tirelessly making efforts to undermine the hard-earned peace that we achieved in Upper Nile State.
Intellectuals and leaders are anticipated to set a positive example through their support for worthwhile causes; the safety of civilians, peaceful coexistence, and conflict resolution. This can be reflected through the basic principles of effective governance and admirable leadership. The political culture in Upper Nile consistently exploits innocent civilians. It is barbaric when positions and ranks are hunted from the suffering of the innocents. It deeply troubles anyone to witness their own community suffering daily.
My Recommendations
1. The governor should establish a committee in Juba to assess the state’s boundaries, specifically the border between the Panyikang and Ruweng Administrative areas.
2. There must be a distinct separation between the City Council and Makal County in accordance with the local government regulations of 2009, with a strong emphasis on allocating a budget for reconstructing the infrastructure in Makal County and compensating its residents.
3. The existing tensions awaiting the governor (Fashoda and Akoka) should be handled with caution and must not be leveraged to pull the state back into disorder and confusion. The government ought to refer to available records and maintain the borders as they were since our independence on January 1, 1956.
4. The resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) into their designated areas is essential. The significant divide among tribes in Upper Nile has been caused by the uneven distribution of resources; some regions thrive while others suffer severely. This disparity has bred animosity and distrust among the people of Upper Nile. Relocation of IDPs should involve a return to their areas with the provision of basic necessities and police presence for safety as part of a lasting resettlement solution.
5. Civil society must also fulfill its responsibility to denounce the lack of accountability and serve as advocates for those without a voice. Effective governance relies on a partnership between the government and civil society working towards the shared benefit of our state.
