The governors of Central Equatoria and Lakes states have agreed to form a joint committee to resolve border-related disputes between communities along their common boundary.
Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil met his Lakes State counterpart, Madhang Majok Meen, on Wednesday, following tensions that erupted during the re-launch of the Juba–Bahr el-Ghazal road on 24 January 2026. The dispute involved communities from Terekeka County in Central Equatoria and Awerial County in Lakes State.
Speaking after the meeting, Governor Adil said the committee will engage local communities to promote peaceful coexistence and harmony.
“The people of Terekeka and Awerial share a long history, intermarriage, grazing areas, and markets. These common ties should unite us, not divide us,” he said. “We want our communities to live together peacefully as they have done for generations.”
Lakes State Governor Madhang Majok Meen reaffirmed his government’s commitment to resolving the border issues through dialogue and cooperation.
“We are one community, and we are one people. We should live in peace and harmony,” he stated. “I appreciate Governor Adil for the warm welcome. We must tell our people that peace is paramount.”
The joint committee will be co-chaired by the ministers of local government from both states and will include peace commission officials, community leaders, youth representatives, and lawmakers from the affected areas.
Both governors urged communities to remain calm, emphasizing the long-standing social and historical ties between Central Equatoria and Lakes states.