Eastern Equatoria State Governor Louis Lobong Lojore has taken action to address the ongoing conflict over the Isore Boma area between Magwi and Ikotos County.
On Thursday, he issued a Gubernatorial Executive Order, forming a five-member committee to investigate the allegations and determine the rightful ownership of Isore Boma.
The conflict traces back to a decree made in 2018 by former Torit Governor Tobiolo Oromo Alberio, which transferred the jurisdiction of Isore Boma from Magwi County to the defunct Geria, now part of Ikotos County. This decision has resulted in tensions and disputes in the area.
The committee’s scope of the investigation will encompass several key issues, including the deployment of over 500 security forces by the Honourable Commissioner of the former Geria County, a declaration that those claiming Isore belongs to Magwi must evacuate, alleged attempts to invade and annex Lobone payam, and accusations against Eastern Equatoria State Member of Parliament Dominic Onyu.
Governor Lobong’s Executive Order cites his authority under Republican Decree No. 51/2020 and Schedule B (3) of the transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan, 2011, as well as Article 99 (2a) of the transitional Constitution of Eastern Equatoria State, 2011. The decision to form the committee was prompted by a petition from the Acholi Community dated 15th June 2023.
Dominic Onyu Paul, Eastern Equatoria State SPLM Member of Parliament and former Commissioner of the now-defunct Geria County expressed his support for the committee’s formation.
However, he maintained that Isore Boma rightfully belongs to Ikotos County and urged the neutral body to investigate the matter fairly to respect the will of the people in Isore.
He stated, “That is a very good initiative for the Governor to take that kind of decision to form a committee to go and investigate and find the truth about where the people of Isore belong so that it does not cause conflict among ourselves as a community and among the politicians because some of these issues are levelled against the politicians that they are the ones inciting the community.”
When asked about the allegations, former Commissioner Onyu denied any involvement and called for an impartial investigation without taking sides. He emphasized that the investigation should uncover the truth behind the alleged incidents and determine whether he was responsible for the actions in question.
“I will give a chance to this committee to investigate. If I am found to be the person who authorized these forces to go there, the investigation will reveal this truth. These are already issues to do with defamation of someone’s name,” Onyu stated.
Orema Emmanuel, a member of the Acholi Community who presented the community’s petition, welcomed the formation of the committee. He emphasized the importance of consulting the people of Isore on the ground to ensure their voices are heard in the process. The initial annexation of Isore to Geria during the previous government’s 32 States system caused discontent among the Isore communities, as they had been receiving services from Magwi County.
The committee, comprised of three State Members of Parliament, the State Director of National Security, and the State Commissioner of Police, is expected to play a pivotal role in finding a resolution to the long-standing dispute over Isore Boma and fostering peace in the Eastern Equatoria State.