The governor of Eastern Equatoria state, Louis Lobong Lojore, has publicly denied claims circulating on social media that the capital, Torit, had been captured by opposition forces and that he had fled.
Speaking at a news conference in Torit on Monday morning, Governor Lobong sought to reassure the public, stating that the town was “peaceful” and that life, including primary school examinations, was continuing as normal.
His address was a direct response to a joint statement issued on Sunday by the rebel National Salvation Front (NAS) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In-Opposition (SPLA-IO). The groups claimed to have repelled a “twin-axis attack” by government forces on their positions around Torit on Saturday, alleging they had killed 30 government soldiers and injured 15.
Governor Lobong began the conference by stating his intention to “clear the dust” on what he described as “propaganda.”
“I just want to tell the public… that we are in Torit and we are peacefully staying,” he said, directly countering claims that he was missing and that residents had fled.
He confirmed that security forces were actively pursuing “criminals” who carried out a raid on 18 November, an attack previously claimed by the NAS and SPLA-IO, who recently formed a military alliance.
“As I promised to the people… we will pursue them and we will make sure that they leave the territory,” Governor Lobong stated, adding that the operation involved all “organised forces.”
Security operations
To illustrate normalcy, the governor pointed to the ongoing primary school examinations. “Our pupils… are now sitting. They are beginning their exam in all the centres and all the counties. There’s no any fear,” he said.
However, he acknowledged ongoing security concerns, advising civilians travelling on roads to take “precautions” as the fleeing opposition fighters were “scattered” and could resort to looting. He assured the public that government forces were working to secure major routes.
Governor Lobong also praised local youth in villages for their cooperation and for providing intelligence, urging others to join them.
Casualty figures disputed
The governor strongly contested the casualty figures put forward by the opposition. He stated that the only casualties he acknowledged were three government personnel lost in the initial 18 November attack and one further death during the subsequent pursuit of the attackers.
“In the state, it is the criminal that has been inflicted very heavily, casualties,” he claimed, without providing a specific number for rebel losses.
In a significant part of his address, Governor Lobong appealed to opposition fighters to surrender.
“I’m also taking this opportunity to appeal to our boys, those who have been deceived, to come back. They will be protected, nothing will happen to them,” he said.
He extended an offer for dialogue for those seeking a peaceful resolution but issued a firm warning to those who continue to pursue violence. “For those who want to use arm, use fire, force, we will also apply the force for them.”
The situation in Torit remains tense as the military confrontation between government forces and the rebel groups around the cantonment site in Irube has displaced local residents.