The governor of South Sudan’s Western Equatoria state has denied claims that a new rebellion under the command of Major Lasuba Lodoru has emerged in the state recently.
Voice of America reported on 28 January that Major Lasuba Lodoru Wongo defected from the army and claimed to command a group of more than 200 defectors active in the Maridi County area.
Similarly, the Defense Minister confirmed the defection of Loduro, calling him a “well-mannered officer” and regretting his departure from his own staff, according to a 30 January report by Sudan Tribune. He added that he had heard that about 100-200 soldiers defected with the major but could not confirm.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, Western Equatoria State Governor Joseph Bakosoro contradicted these earlier reports, saying there was not even anybody with such a name in the state.
“This name Lasuba is very strange here in the state — our names are different from Central Equatoria. You can find the name Lasuba in Yei and other parts of Central Equatoria. I don’t know about this name,” he said.
Bakosoro further said he heard the rumours via media.
Elsewhere, however, it has been reported that the defected major hails from Morobo County, hence does not from Western Equatoria itself.
Separately, Bakosoro disclosed that police authorities in the state have failed to trace the criminals who recently shot a member of national parliament from the state, Joseph Ngere. He disclosed that the MP is now receiving treatment in Nairobi and that he is in good condition.
However, the state official said investigations are still underway in order to know the perpetrators.
File photo: Governor Bakosoro