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Swaka Rejects Suspension, Insists Leadership Backed by High Court Order

Juba – 23 February 2026 | By Samir Bol

Ustaz Marcello Swaka Lako, Chairperson of the Juba City Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (JCCIA), has rejected a suspension issued against him by Robert Pitia Francis, Chairperson of the Central Equatoria State Chamber of Commerce, describing the move as unconstitutional and in violation of a standing court order.

In a press statement dated 23 February 2026, Swaka said his leadership was reinstated by the Juba High Court under Order No. 302/2025, issued on 17 December 2025 and executed on 23 December 2025. The order, he said, allowed him and market chairpersons to resume office at the Chamber’s headquarters and various market offices in Juba.

Background of the Dispute

The leadership dispute dates back to June 2020, when the then Acting Chairperson of the South Sudan National Chamber of Commerce issued Administrative Order No. 03/2020 dissolving the Juba City Chamber leadership under Swaka and appointing Stephen Wani Acquilino as Acting Chairperson.

Swaka challenged the decision in court. According to his statement, the Kator High Court initially issued a stay of execution in June 2020. The case later proceeded through additional legal processes and appeals.

On 7 October 2025, the Court of Appeal – Greater Equatoria Circuit reportedly issued a final ruling cancelling both the administrative dissolution order and the election conducted on 26 November 2020, stating that elections cannot be organized while a dispute is pending before the court.

New Suspension Letter

On 2 February 2026, Robert Pitia issued a letter suspending Swaka and several market chairpersons over alleged misconduct and misappropriation of Chamber funds and assets. The letter directed them to hand over the offices to Stephen Wani Acquilino.

Swaka dismissed the allegations, arguing that the CES Chamber has no constitutional mandate to interfere in the affairs of the Juba City Chamber, citing Article 53 of the Chamber’s 2010 Constitution. He further maintained that he is not a custodian of CES Chamber funds and was not subjected to any disciplinary committee process within JCCIA structures.

Political Allegations Denied

Pitia had also reportedly claimed that Swaka was appointed by the Mayor of Juba City Council to serve personal interests. Swaka denied the allegation, insisting that his leadership is based solely on a High Court order, not on any political appointment.

He added that any involvement by city authorities was limited to maintaining security following what he described as attempts to forcibly take over market offices.

Call for Stability

Swaka urged traders and members of the business community to respect court decisions and prioritize economic activities over leadership disputes.

The matter remains contentious, with both parties maintaining their legal positions as the dispute continues to unfold.
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