Eastern Equatoria State Governor Louis Lobong Lojore has cautioned parties to the 2018 revitalized peace agreement and members of the organized forces not to incite situations that will import the political tensions in Juba to Torit.
He made the remarks on Tuesday at his official residence while addressing members of the state cabinet and the heads of organized forces. According to Lobong, political tensions in the country are brought about by the quest for power.
“Currently, conflicts are happening here in South Sudan, there are political tensions, and there is conflict in some places. We said we do not want that conflict here in Eastern Equatoria State, there is no need for that conflict,” he said. “All these conflicts we got after independence are due to power struggles because everyone wants to get a position, and someone (soldiers) wants more stars (ranks). One will come from the village and dress as a Major General, and people will fight and die for this, and in the end, these people will share the positions and will forget us. Some will take only their family and put them in positions, while the majority will suffer.”
“This must stop, we do not want this conflict anymore, and anyone who wants conflict should go to where it is,” Governor Lobong added.
He said the people of Eastern Equatoria have fought since 1955, through the Anyanya 1 and SPLM/A struggles until South Sudan got its independence.
“Anyone who wants a position should wait for elections, stand, and be voted in. We do not want conflict here, and there is nothing to struggle for here. If it is the chair (presidency), it is not here in Eastern Equatoria State, it is in Juba. If you want conflict, then go to where that chair is,” he said. “We just want our people to cultivate! The rain is now coming and we have to cultivate and let us do business. Let our children go to school. The children of the people who want us to fight are in Nairobi or London studying, while our children remain without education. This is not right. The people of Eastern Equatoria do not want conflict for power struggle.”
“You the heads of the organized forces here, we hear everyday people are panicking due to rumors, but I am your eyes and if there is anything, I am will be the first to tell you, so, just sleep peacefully and do not listen to rumors because I will confirm for you information as I have ears in all places,” Lobong added.
He reassured citizens that his state is peaceful and welcomed anyone fleeing conflict as long as they come and abide by the law of the land.