Bor Community Annual Cultural Festival suspended over security concerns

JUBA – The Bor Community Cultural Preservation and Exhibition (BCP&E) has officially suspended the 2025 Bor Community Cultural Annual Festival, citing ongoing and unresolved security concerns in Bor Town.

In a formal statement issued on December 16, 2025, BCP&E announced that the annual cultural event, which was scheduled for December 29, 30, and 31, 2025, will not take place as planned.

“This decision was made after careful consideration of the ongoing and unresolved security situation in Bor Town,” the statement read.

BCP&E acknowledged the cultural importance of the festival, describing it as “a deeply valued tradition that represents peace, unity, and the preservation of our cultural heritage.” However, the organization stressed that public safety remains its top priority.

“The safety and well-being of our community members, participants, and guests must remain our highest priority,” the statement emphasized.

The organization warned that holding a large public event under the current circumstances could endanger lives, noting that “hosting a large-scale public gathering would pose unacceptable risks.”

As a result, BCP&E announced that “all festival-related activities are suspended until further notice,” pending the restoration of “a safe, stable, and conducive environment.”

Speaking through the statement, BCP&E Chairman Nhial Kon Chau reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to cultural preservation, saying, “BCP&E remains fully committed to its mission of preserving and promoting Bor cultural heritage.”

He added that the organization will “continue to monitor the situation closely and look forward to resuming our cultural celebrations when conditions allow.”

BCP&E also expressed gratitude to cultural groups, sponsors, partners, and the wider Bor community, both locally and in the diaspora.

“We extend our sincere appreciation to all cultural groups, participants, sponsors, partners, stakeholders, and members of the global Bor community for your understanding, patience, and continued support during this challenging time,” the statement concluded.

The Bor Community Cultural Annual Festival is one of the most anticipated cultural events in the region, bringing together traditional performers, community leaders, and visitors from across South Sudan and abroad. Its suspension underscores the growing concern over security in Bor Town and the impact such challenges continue to have on cultural and social life.