A dispute has started between Terekeka and Jubek states over the ownership of Mongalla County.

The dispute emerged after an attack in Mongalla over the weekend, in which at least two people were killed during the inauguration of the new county commissioner.

Authorities in Terekeka say the commissioner should have not conducted the ceremony in the area without consulting them.

They now want the commissioner to lower the flag of Jubek.

Modi Lomindi, the state minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sport in Terekeka, spoke at a news conference in Juba today.

“The issue of Mongalla which is contested should be resolved in a very amicable manner,” Mr Lomindi said.

“We’re calling upon for it to be lowered so that the area is left without any authority and in the end of the day once it is resolved then whoever takes the responsibility will raise his flag.”

For its part, Jubek State says the area is on its own in accordance with the presidential decree creating more states.

Hon Salah Rajab Bunduki is the minister of Information and the state government spokesperson.

“The president’s order is very clear and it mentions that Mongalla is under Jubek State and historically everybody knows where Mongala belongs,” Mr Bunduki argued.

Mr Modi said the committee that has been formed to resolve the issue includes members of Jubek and the Council of States.

The terms of reference of the team as well as the period for filing their report, are yet to be established.