Leaders of Maridi County, in Western Equatoria State, are demanding the replacement of their commissioner due to business malpractices.
Commissioner Setta Ogam is under pressure after he allowed foreigners to cut trees in the county without the knowledge of youth and community leaders.
Maridi Youth Leader Saki James Palaoko told Bakhita Radio that the youth and community leaders wrote a letter demanding the commissioner’s removal.
Mr Saki said the reaction from the community comes after the commissioner allowed foreigners to cut trees in the county without consulting the community.
The Maridi youth leader said the commissioner ordered the arrest of 40 people including three youths in retaliation for the letter demanding his removal.
Mr Saki added that relations between the Maridi commissioner and the community were very tense for the last three days.
The youth leader called on the MPs representing Maridi County in the national and Western Equatoria parliaments to rescue the situation before it goes out of control.
Mr Saki also asked the Church leaders to intervene in Maridi to resolve the tensions within the community.
Commissioner Ogam was not available for comments.