18/07/2026
Why We Are Seeking an Independent Alternative For Greater Tonj: A Call for Equity, Representation, and Development - Security and Development Go Altogether
Dear People of Greater Tonj,
The recent establishment of the University of Kuajok, despite the absence of adequate facilities, has reignited an important national conversation about fairness, equitable development, and the distribution of public resources across Warrap State. As we speak Kuajok Community College operates in the Kaujok National Secondary school. It has no physical facility like Alexandria University, Tonj Branch and this demonstrates injustice of resources distribution to the people of Greater Warrap State.
The creation of a new university is, in itself, a welcome step toward expanding higher education in South Sudan. However, establishing a new institution while overlooking the already established institution like Alexandria University of Tonj raises legitimate concerns about development priorities. Strengthening existing institutions where infrastructure already exists would have been a more efficient and equitable approach.
Development should never come at the expense of another community. Expanding public services is commendable, but consistently leaving some regions behind creates a perception of exclusion and unequal treatment. Greater Tonj deserves the same opportunities for educational advancement, infrastructure, and public investment as every other part of the state.
This development has also highlighted the broader issue of equitable resource distribution. As the headquarters of Warrap State, Kuajok already hosts numerous key public institutions, including Kuajok Hospital, Kuajok Health Sciences Institute, Kuajok Community College, and several other government services. Meanwhile, Greater Tonj, despite its size, population, and contribution to the state, continues to receive comparatively fewer public investments.
Greater Tonj is one of the largest regions in Warrap State as classified into three counties. By any reasonable measure of equity, geography, and population, it deserves a fair share of public institutions, infrastructure, and government services. Balanced development strengthens unity, while unequal development weakens public confidence and national cohesion.
The concern extends beyond infrastructure to political representation in state. At present, many of the state's highest leadership positions, including the Governor, Deputy Governor, SPLM State Chairman, Speaker of the State Parliament, Deputy Speaker, and SPLM State Secretary-General, are held by individuals originating from Greater Gogrial. While every citizen has the right to serve, such a concentration of leadership in one geographical area raises understandable concerns about balanced representation and inclusive governance.
It is this pattern of unequal development and representation that has led many people of Greater Tonj to advocate for the creation of an independent Tonj State, for an administrative entity that would enable the people of Greater Tonj to plan, manage, and drive their own development according to their priorities and needs.
This call is not driven by hostility toward any community. Rather, it is a call for justice, fairness, decentralization, and equal opportunity. A government that serves all its citizens must ensure that no region feels marginalized or excluded from national development.
We therefore respectfully appeal to the Government of South Sudan to uphold the principles of equitable geographical representation, fair distribution of public resources, and meaningful decentralization. These principles are essential for national unity, sustainable development, and lasting peace.
Equity strengthens unity. Inclusion builds peace. Equal opportunity creates a stronger South Sudan for all.
Copy to: Tonj Times | Tonj Leads Media | Donboscoradio Tonj
