Lobong accuses politicians of instigating insecurity in E. Equatoria

Eastern Equatoria state governor Louis Lobong Lojore addressing a gathering at Torit Freedom Square on 9 July 2021. [Photo: Radio Tamazuj]

Eastern Equatoria state governor Louis Lobong Lojore has accused politicians of instigating recent insecurity in the state.

Eastern Equatoria state governor Louis Lobong Lojore has accused politicians of instigating recent insecurity in the state. 

Governor Lobong was addressing a huge crowd at the Torit Freedom Square to mark the country's 10th independence anniversary on Friday under the theme 'Building peace together'.

“Ladies and gentlemen, without doubt, the rising insecurity in our state is the work of politicians who are driven by their individual interest. our people are sincerely instigated to cause this current insecurity. If you mean well for our people we must then stop inciting conflict in our state," Lobong said. "For our political leaders and elites let us set an example of showing the youth the voice of wisdom, give more sustainable solutions than emotions we need to be leaders who live to prosperity, not calamity, we should be leaders who are mindful of the general wellbeing of the communities." 

Speaking to the youth, Lobong said, "We would like to urge the youth to take the lead in restoring peace in our state and this will pave the way for investors, companies, and NGOs to come to our state. This will create more employment opportunities for the young people of this state and they will have no time to go for raiding," he added. 

The state minister for peace and reconciliation, who spoke on behalf of other opposition parties, Marko Lokidor Lochapio of the SPLM-IO urged the different parties to the agreement to unite and work to implement the peace accord.

"As political parties, we have to work together, nobody is going to come from somewhere to solve our problems. We need to have the spirit of tolerance and to follow the peace agreement because this peace is everything," Lokidor stated. 

The newly sworn-in acting Torit County Commissioner Jacob Attari warned all young engaged in criminal activities to cease with immediate effect or risk facing the wrath of the law.

“As a commissioner of Torit county, I want to pass this message to the Monyiemiji, the whole Torit county, my message is that if someone is a criminal on the ground intending to steal cows or to kill someone on the road, my friend, now leave your gun and hide it somewhere because am coming to do the work, am not coming to just sit on the chair. Soon I will be migrating to Hiyalla where there is a lot of problems," Attari warned. 

Torit County of Eastern Equatoria State has recently experienced an upsurge in insecurity cases.