The governor of Central Equatoria State has ordered an immediate halt to the issuance of all plot documents in the Nyamini area of Juba County, citing ongoing land disputes between local communities.
Nyamini is a residential area on the western outskirts of the capital, Juba. The area is located about 12 miles northwest of Juba.
The dispute started in May 2025 after the Community of Nyamini and Lodimi of Juba County’s Ladu Payam launched the allotment and sale of 22,700 plots to South Sudanese nationals.
Alemin Sebit Tombe, chairman of the Ilikare for Development Association, said at the time that the area was open to all South Sudanese for residential occupation and investment. However, the move was later disputed by other indigenous communities in the area.
Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony issued Gubernatorial Order No. 19/2026 on Monday, cancelling any pending or ongoing plot documentation in the area.
“In exercise of powers conferred upon me by Republican Decree No. 408/2025 of the President, I hereby cancel the issuance of any plot document in Nyamini with immediate effect,” Adil said in a statement announcing the order. “This is necessary to maintain peace and resolve disputes between the affected communities.”
The move follows rising tensions in Nyamini over land ownership, with two communities claiming rights to the same plots. Residents have expressed support for the government’s intervention, saying they hope it will prevent further conflict.
The order tasks a state security committee, led by the deputy governor, with engaging both communities to mediate the land disagreement. It also directs the Juba County commissioner to implement the halt immediately and ensure compliance among all relevant officials.
Adil warned that individuals found issuing land documents despite the ban will face legal action.
“The stoppage of the demarcation process is a temporary measure,” the governor said. “Our priority is to ensure a fair resolution for both communities while maintaining law and order in Juba County.”
The governor said the order is in line with Article 99, sub-article (2)(b) of the Transitional Constitution of Central Equatoria State (2012, as amended).