Deputy Governor Paulino Lukudu Obede of Central Equatoria State (Courtesy of Office of the Governor of CES)

The government of Central Equatoria State has banned the illegal renaming of places across the state.

In a circular issued on Monday and signed by the Deputy Governor, authorities warned against replacing original names of villages, streets, buildings, water bodies, and geographical features such as rivers, streams, mountains, hills, and forests.

The state government called on media houses, public and private institutions, and humanitarian organizations to stop using non-native names, warning that legal action will be taken against individuals or institutions that fail to comply.

Officials said only names recognized by indigenous communities should be used. The government also said it will closely monitor the implementation of the directive.