By William Madouk
The Primate of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan (ECSS), Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin Badi Arama has denied reports that he was beaten during a violent clash at St. Stephen’s Parish in Munuki, Juba.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Archbishop Badi dismissed claims that he or other clergy members were physically assaulted during a confrontation between church members and residents of the Gezira area. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, stemmed from a long-standing land dispute involving the church and the Central Equatoria State government.
“No one was beaten,” Badi clarified. “Some priests and laity were hit by stones thrown by a group of youth, but the reports claiming I was attacked are false. The photo of me sitting was taken during prayers and fasting.”
The archbishop announced a month of prayers in response to the crisis, starting with a three-day session at the contested site in Munuki.
According to Badi, the dispute dates back to a government-led re-demarcation process that began earlier this year. He said the Ministry of Housing reallocated parts of the church’s compound to private individuals, leading to the demolition of church facilities, including the priest’s residence, store rooms, and toilets.
“St. Stephen’s Church has existed since 1965, and it received a formal land title in 1987,” he said. “There was no conflict until the recent demarcation effort.”
Badi explained that although the church reported the issue to the governor, and an initial promise was made to halt further action, land continued to be distributed. When church members gathered at the site to pray, some individuals who had reportedly received land titles mobilized youth to disrupt the prayer gathering by throwing stones.
Police later intervened to de-escalate the situation.
The government of Central Equatoria State has since issued a formal apology to the church. Ministers David Morbe Aquilino (Housing, Land and Public Utilities) and Lupai Satimon Andrew (Cabinet Affairs) visited St. Stephen’s to express regret and affirm the government’s commitment to protecting religious institutions.
“We deeply regret the incident and assure the church that its security is our responsibility,” said Minister Morbe. “The Government of CES stands firmly against any violence or intimidation targeting places of worship.”
Authorities have launched an investigation and promised increased security to prevent future confrontations.
Archbishop Badi emphasized the church’s legal ownership of the land, referencing court victories in 2012, 2017, and 2023 that upheld the church’s claim. He urged the government to relocate those who were recently allocated plots within the church compound.
“We respect the government’s authority,” Badi said. “But we also ask that public and religious spaces be preserved and respected.”