Southern Sudan Bahr al-Jabal State changes name

April 15, 2006 (JUBA) — Members of Bahr al-Jabal State legislative assembly have resolved to change the name of Bahr al-Jabal State to Central Equatoria State, the Juba Post reported.

The resolution was read by Esther Awate during the sitting No 39 of Bahr al-Jabal legislative assembly on April 6. The motion for the change of the name was raised in January by Nehemiah Lasu Sei and seconded by three members of the Assembly, two representing the SPLM and one representing the South Sudan United Democratic Salvation Front (UDSF).

Sei said the name of Bahr al-Jabal, by which the state is currently officially known and addressed, was never approved by the citizens of the state.

Furthermore, he said, the name had negative connotations relating to the slave trade practised in southern Sudan during the 16th century.

“The change will answer many questions raised by the citizens about the legality of our state’s name and the new name is very fitting considering our environment and our historic connections with our sister states of Eastern and Western Equatoria”, he added.

The Assembly members noted that the state is part and parcel of the equatorial zone, which stretches from the Lowii river in eastern Kapoeta to the Bo river in Tambura, Western Equatoria State, from which the name Equatoria derives.

“The name Bahr al-Jabal did not reflect the historical identity of Greater Equatoria and is not consistent with the name of our two sister states”, Ms Awate said.

She said the assembly appreciated the role of the people in pointing out this inconsistency and their interest in “restoring dignity”.

(Juba Post/ST)