Authorities in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) have accused neighboring Eastern Equatoria State of mobilizing local armed youth to launch attacks.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday, GPAA Information Minister Oleyo Akuer Nyaluth claimed that high-ranking officials, including Eastern Equatoria Governor Louis Lobong, were complicit.
“We have received reports of youth mobilization aimed at attacking areas such as Jebel Boma and Marua, with the governor allegedly supporting this initiative,” Nyaluth stated.
However, Eastern Equatoria Information Minister Elia John Ahaji, rejected the accusations, asserting that Governor Lobong was committed to peace.
“We are not aware of any such mobilization. If it were true, we would take immediate action to prevent it. We cannot allow our people to attack a peaceful community; it serves no benefit to the government,” Ahaji emphasized.
GPAA and Eastern Equatoria State have a history of conflict, primarily related to cattle rustling and child abduction, raising concerns about escalating tensions between the two areas.