Why I Support the Relocation of the Capital of the RoSS from Juba

The issue of whether or not Juba should continue to be the capital city of the Republic of South Sudan (RoSS) after the official declaration of the independence of RoSS has been contentious. Whereas some think Juba should remain as the capital, others support the relocation of the capital from Juba to elsewhere. Though each group has got its own reason and tenet of where the capital should be situated, I tend to agree with those who want a new venue to host the capital. My reasons for the relocations of the capital might not be identical with those who support the relocation.

My reasons of the relocation of the capital city of RoSS from Juba are, therefore, as follows:

• Juba is an old city. Being an old city, the difficulty of redesigning, rebuilding, and the expansion of the city are undeniable. The resent map/design of the new capital which the government thinks of building cannot be an applicable matter in the current Juba. Those who are familiar with the history of rebuilding, they know how difficult is to rebuild an old city. It is easier to build a new city from nothing, especially if the new city is intended to meet the qualifications of today’s modern cities.
• Juba belongs to the Bari people. Juba, traditionally, historically, and without denial, belongs to the Bari community. The land policy in the South Sudan renders the ownership of the land to communities, not the government. Any attempt to grab a piece of land in Juba by any other communities would be a clear violation of law and denial of the existence of the owners of the land – the Baris. In his article titled, Potential of Conflict in Central and Western Equatoria State(s), Dr. Sakia Baas reports the following interview held with a certain owner of a plot in Juba right after the election,

“We own a plot in Tong Ping since the 1980s. We have a certificate that shows the land is ours. In 2007, we wanted to develop the land. We found a brigadier-general and a few of his soldiers there. They said “we shed blood for this land. How can you say it is your land?” They were threatening us not to come back to this land.” 

• Juba has the history of ethnic tussle. Those who know the history surrounding Juba, especially in 1980’s would vividly recall the kokora incident. The incident was started by Equatorians who felt unhappy with other communities for reasons attributed to politics. Since Juba hosted the so called kokora, it is likely to host similar incident if tensions arise. Relocating the capital, therefore, will be a kind of therapy to the incident’s aftermath.
• Juba is the most developed city in South Sudan. Juba is the most developed city in the entire region of Southern Sudan. Leaving Juba for another location for the establishment of a capital city will allow development shift to another area as well – and that is a good thing!
• There is tension in Juba. This point is related to the points discussed above. The reader, by now, must have sensed what type of tension might be already existed, or will exist, sooner or later, in Juba. Reconciliation is one way of resolving the tension; however, what about the owners of the land? How will they be compensated, and who will compensate them? Which land will they call their? These questions and concerns reflect the tensions that might, sooner or later, come to surface in Juba.

Without letting my readers think I am writing in the line of tribalism, let me make it clear that, “Prevention is better than cure!”. To try and resolve an issue is better than to pretend that everything is ok. Personally, I am not from the Bari community but I feel and understand why they always complain when it comes to land issues in Juba. Aren’t they right when they complain?

My reader might ask, “Where should the new capital be established?” or “Which land/city in South Sudan that do not have owners?” These concerns and others are pertinent. The reason Ramcel was suggested as a suitable location to host the new capital is that is not situated in the heart of a community, unlike as Juba. Such places as Ramcel and others could be the better options.

The views above are my own reading of the situation in South Sudan, and it is meant to promote the better living for the communities, taking into consideration everybody’s right and recognition. It is not meant to stir up or bring about hatred and ethnic division.

Thanks