WAU, South Sudan — Community leaders from Western Bahr el Ghazal expressed concern Tuesday over what they called continued marginalisation, saying the number of counties allocated to the state does not reflect its sacrifices during South Sudan’s independence struggle in 2011.

In a statement obtained by The Juba Mirror News, leaders said the main issue is not the transfer of Wau County to Baggari, but the broader injustice facing the state as a whole. Western Bahr el Ghazal, regarded as an economic hub in the Greater Bahr el Ghazal region, provides health care, nutrition, banking, and other essential services to neighboring states. Despite serving as the regional capital, it operates with only three counties  Raja, Wau, and Jur River.

By comparison, other states have far more: Central Equatoria has six counties, Eastern Equatoria eight, Western Equatoria nine, Jonglei eight plus special administrative areas, Lakes seven, Northern Bahr el Ghazal five, Warrap six, Unity at least seven, and Upper Nile 11.

“This is not just an administrative oversight; it is a profound injustice that marginalizes the people of Western Bahr el Ghazal, limits their representation, and hinders development,” the statement read.

The leaders emphasised that their demand is not to reassign Wau County, but to create additional counties to ensure fair representation that reflects the state’s population, economic significance, and role as a regional capital.

“Only by correcting this imbalance can justice be done and the dignity of Western Bahr el Ghazal’s people be restored,” they said.