Bari community center reopens after year-long closure

JUBA – The Commissioner of Juba County of South Sudan’s Central Equatoria State, Emmanuel Tete Ezbon Simon, has ordered the reopening of the Bari Community Center, which was closed in March 2023 for allegedly becoming a hub for political activities.

In a statement extended to Sudans Post, Simon said the community leadership is now allowed to resume its activities.

“I do hereby issue this local order for the reopening of Bari Community Association, the Bari Community Executive, Bari Community Council, and Bari Community Youth Association to return and resume their normal duties at the Bari Community Center,” he said in the statement.

Simon revealed that Juba County has also suspended the caretaker committee of chiefs responsible for managing the Bari Community Association’s administration and affairs.

“The chairman of Bari Community Council is ordered to request in writing the convening of the emergency general assembly, and this general assembly will take place in a period of four weeks,” Simon added.

The Bari Community Centre, a three-story building in Juba town, includes a conference hall and an open space for hosting entertainment, weddings, and other social events.

The center’s closure was directed by Charles Joseph Wani, the former Commissioner of Juba County, after its members allegedly caused disorder during memorial prayers for the late Alfred Keri.