The Chamber described the reports as unconstitutional, unauthorized, and misleading, emphasizing that no legitimate process had been followed to alter its leadership.
In a press statement issued Monday and reinforced during a press conference in Juba, SSNCCIA Chairperson Ladu Lukak Lege clarified that media reports claiming Bona Bol Bol Arech had been elected as “Interim Chairman” were inaccurate.
In a press statement issued Monday and reinforced during a press conference in Juba, SSNCCIA Chairperson Ladu Lukak Lege clarified that media reports claiming Bona Bol Bol Arech had been elected as “Interim Chairman” were inaccurate.
Lukak stressed that the cited meeting was neither sanctioned by the Chamber nor recognized under its constitution.
“The meeting being cited was neither constitutional nor authorized, and its outcomes carry no weight under the law,” Lukak told journalists.
“The meeting being cited was neither constitutional nor authorized, and its outcomes carry no weight under the law,” Lukak told journalists.
“The Chamber operates strictly under its governing documents, and any action outside this framework is legally void.”
Lukak explained that he assumed leadership through constitutional succession after the departure of former Chairperson Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, who vacated the role to undertake national duties.
Lukak explained that he assumed leadership through constitutional succession after the departure of former Chairperson Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, who vacated the role to undertake national duties.
According to SSNCCIA’s constitution, the First Deputy Chairperson automatically assumes office under such circumstances, giving him lawful authority over the Chamber’s activities and decisions.
The Chairperson further emphasized that only the sitting chairperson has the authority to convene and preside over general assembly meetings. He noted that no such meeting had been called or endorsed by the Chamber’s legitimate leadership.
“A general assembly is not something individuals can declare at will,” Lukak said.
The Chairperson further emphasized that only the sitting chairperson has the authority to convene and preside over general assembly meetings. He noted that no such meeting had been called or endorsed by the Chamber’s legitimate leadership.
“A general assembly is not something individuals can declare at will,” Lukak said.
“It requires proper procedures, documentation, and constitutional backing. Attempts to bypass these rules are unlawful and misleading to the public.”
SSNCCIA highlighted that its leadership structure follows a clearly defined hierarchy, starting from county-level chambers, progressing through state chambers, and culminating at the national level.
SSNCCIA highlighted that its leadership structure follows a clearly defined hierarchy, starting from county-level chambers, progressing through state chambers, and culminating at the national level.
Any leadership change conducted outside this process is considered null and void, the statement said.
Lukak also warned that continued misrepresentation of the Chamber’s leadership could lead to legal consequences.
Lukak also warned that continued misrepresentation of the Chamber’s leadership could lead to legal consequences.
“While we respect freedom of association, we cannot allow individuals to misrepresent the Chamber or create confusion among members and stakeholders,” he said.
“Legal measures will be pursued if violations continue.”
The Chamber announced that its National Secretariat is preparing a formal electoral roadmap ahead of the next scheduled elections in 2027.
The Chamber announced that its National Secretariat is preparing a formal electoral roadmap ahead of the next scheduled elections in 2027.
The process is expected to adhere strictly to the Chamber’s constitution, ensuring participation from all members nationwide.
During the press conference, Abraham Mayak, a board member and adviser to the Chamber, condemned the reported meeting as illegal and unconstitutional.
During the press conference, Abraham Mayak, a board member and adviser to the Chamber, condemned the reported meeting as illegal and unconstitutional.
He emphasized that the Chamber’s constitution mandates a bottom-up electoral process, starting at state-level chambers and culminating at the national level, with representatives from all ten states and three administrative areas participating. According to Mayak, the recent gathering failed to follow this procedure.
“Our aim is to avoid contributing to instability or insecurity,” Mayak said.
“Our aim is to avoid contributing to instability or insecurity,” Mayak said.
“Those interested in leadership positions must engage through proper channels and respect constitutional procedures. Any legitimate general assembly must be convened by the Chairperson in accordance with the law.”
Robert Pitia Francis, a Chamber member representing state-level interests, also criticized the alleged meeting. He confirmed that no delegates from South Sudan’s ten states or three administrative areas had participated, and that the states had formally rejected the claimed leadership change.
Robert Pitia Francis, a Chamber member representing state-level interests, also criticized the alleged meeting. He confirmed that no delegates from South Sudan’s ten states or three administrative areas had participated, and that the states had formally rejected the claimed leadership change.
Francis emphasized that only constitutional procedures can determine legitimate leadership, reiterating that the upcoming elections in 2027 will involve full participation from all states and administrative areas.
The Chamber has urged members, government institutions, development partners, and the public to disregard the claims of leadership change and to recognize only the constitutionally valid leadership.
The Chamber has urged members, government institutions, development partners, and the public to disregard the claims of leadership change and to recognize only the constitutionally valid leadership.
Lukak commended members and security personnel for maintaining calm and ensuring the situation was managed peacefully.
“Our focus remains on lawful governance, institutional stability, and protecting the private sector,” Lukak said.
“Our focus remains on lawful governance, institutional stability, and protecting the private sector,” Lukak said.
“Unity and adherence to procedures are essential, especially as the business community navigates significant economic challenges.”
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