Atem Simon Mbiur
In Juba, South Sudan’s capital, the names of neighborhoods and streets serve as a living memory of the city’s history and the struggles of its people. These names reflect the cultural diversity and social interactions that have shaped the community, while also sparking discussions on preserving identity and heritage amid urban modernization efforts.
In the old neighborhoods of Juba, the capital of South Sudan, collective memory is embodied in the names of streets and areas that hold the stories of residents and the fluctuations of time. These popular names still pulse with the spirit of the place, evoking features from various periods of the city’s history, including its cultural diversity and social interactions that transcend tribes and regions.
These names emerged in the context of the formation of “Juba Arabic” as a language of communication and a unifying identity, carrying both humor and the bitterness of political and social transformations. Amid calls to modernize the urban landscape and preserve these names as part of the cultural memory, discussions continue on how to safeguard identity and belonging while revitalizing the city’s memory.
Some neighborhoods in Juba bear names born from the two wars that shaped the contours of modern southern history: the first (1955-1977) and the second (1983-2005), which ended with a peace agreement that paved the way for South Sudan’s independence.
During those decades, Juba served as the military headquarters for the central government, making it more akin to a closed barracks than an urban city. Names like “Atla Barah,” “Libas Mafi,” “Rijal Mafi,” “Souq Militia,” and “Kobri Kokora” emerged as mirrors reflecting the fear, suspicion, and displacement experienced by the residents.
These names reflect the daily experiences of residents marked by violence, fear, and displacement. For instance, the name “Atla Barah” reminds residents of direct threats from soldiers, while “Rijal Mafi” points to the void left by the absence of men. “Libas Mafi” carries connotations linked to wartime events and difficult living conditions, whereas “Souq Militia” in the Moniki neighborhood symbolizes the direct military activity witnessed in the area.
Despite their oddity, these names form a living record of the city’s history and the suffering of its people, representing part of the collective memory that documents the realities of life during conflict.
The names of Juba’s neighborhoods are rooted in “Juba Arabic,” a language that developed from the interaction of local residents with soldiers, traders, and newcomers from the north, becoming a daily communication tool among the diverse ethnic and cultural components. These names carry both humor and tragedy, reflecting the realities of life during wartime, serving as a medium for collective memory and shared cultural ties, with the language closely associated with the indigenous Bari tribe.
Researchers and intellectuals assert that neighborhood and village names are not merely spatial indicators but living memories that encapsulate the stories of people and societal transformations over time, recording moments of joy and triumph while also preserving the scars of wars and divisions.
Koj Ruben, a lecturer at John Garang University, is one of the most prominent advocates for preserving these names despite their oddity, pointing to their strong significance and connection to the history of resistance.
Ruben stated, “Despite the strangeness of some of these names, they carry powerful meanings linked to the history of resistance and suffering in South Sudan. These names document the heroism of the residents and their daily experiences during the years of war, remaining a vital part of the city’s memory that must be preserved.”
Conversely, historian Ajak John disagrees with those advocating for the preservation of these names, calling for their replacement with names that carry positive connotations and meanings that align with the independence phase and the construction of a civil identity for the city.
He said, “The names of the popular neighborhoods resulted from a colonial philosophy and were coined by some Sudanese soldiers during the war. It is time to change these strange names, and each neighborhood should bear a name with a clear significance that symbolizes something beneficial or a positive meaning.”
Preserving popular memory
Writer and researcher from South Sudan, Michael Ladu, believes it is best to document the stories associated with these names in research and studies before any changes occur, emphasizing that lack of official attention leaves a significant gap in preserving popular memory.
He added, “Government entities and researchers should encourage studies that clarify the reasons behind these names. Losing these narratives means losing an important oral heritage. Even if official entities insist on changing the names, they will remain etched in the memories of the residents, like many other living examples that have resisted oblivion.”
Regarding the relationship of these names to “Juba Arabic,” Ladu pointed out that the language continues to innovate its vocabulary with the emergence of new generations, having been adopted as a common language among the various ethnic and cultural components of the city.
He added, “Juba Arabic is no longer limited to daily life; it has become part of the artistic and creative movement, as it is utilized in local songs and theater, clearly appearing in traditional media and social media platforms, giving the language a dual role as a means of daily communication and a cultural medium that preserves local identity, as well as a tool for artistic and media expression that reflects the life of the city and the spirit of its residents in a lively and dynamic manner.”
Ultimately, the debate over place names in South Sudan, particularly in the capital Juba, transcends mere discussions about words or locations on a map; it reflects the city’s history, the experiences of its residents, and their collective identity, closely tied to “Juba Arabic,” which has formed a means of communication among various ethnic components.
Thus, place names in South Sudan remain a living witness to the struggle and heroism, bridging the past with the present, as some advocate for their preservation as part of popular memory while others see the need to update them to reflect the independence phase and build a civil identity.
Juba has a rich history shaped by conflict and cultural diversity. The city has been a focal point during the two civil wars that defined South Sudan’s modern history, leading to a unique blend of cultural influences.
The names of neighborhoods often reflect the experiences of the local population, encapsulating stories of resilience and survival amidst adversity. As South Sudan continues to evolve, the significance of these names remains a topic of debate among scholars and community members alike.