By Louis Loku
Eastern Equatoria Governor Louis Lobong Lojore has appealed to the national government, humanitarian agencies, and development partners to urgently intervene as a prolonged dry spell threatens food and water security across the state.
Governor Lobong said the worsening drought has already devastated crops, dried up water sources, and disrupted livestock livelihoods, raising fears of a serious hunger crisis if immediate assistance is not provided.
Speaking during a visit to a sorghum farm in Kapoeta South County, the governor said the condition of crops and water sources was alarming, particularly in areas that have traditionally supplied food to communities in Greater Kapoeta.
He said a recent visit to Ngauro, once known as a productive and green area, revealed the extent of the crisis.
“The Singaita River has dried up, water sources from the Didinga Mountains are disappearing, and now here in Kapoeta South the sorghum in this entire farm has completely withered,” Lobong said.
The governor warned that the failure of the agricultural season could have serious consequences for food security, particularly for women, children, and elderly people who depend heavily on farming and livestock for their survival.
He called on the national government and humanitarian and development partners to scale up support beyond food assistance, urging interventions targeting water supply, livestock, and alternative livelihoods.
“The people need urgent intervention,” Lobong said, while acknowledging that a scientific assessment of the drought situation is still being conducted with development and humanitarian partners.
He stressed, however, that the humanitarian needs were already visible on the ground and should not wait for the completion of the assessment before assistance begins.
The dry spell has also forced livestock keepers to move animals across borders and into neighbouring areas in search of pasture and water. Artisanal miners have equally been affected as water sources used for mining activities continue to dry up.
Lobong also expressed concern over reports of deaths associated with hunger and extreme hardship in some communities, including reported suicide cases in Lafon and parts of Torit County.
He urged authorities and humanitarian agencies to treat the situation as an urgent humanitarian priority and increase assistance before the crisis deteriorates further.
The governor’s appeal comes amid growing concerns over the impact of prolonged dry conditions on agriculture, livestock, and household food supplies across Eastern Equatoria.
He called for coordinated action between the national government, state authorities, humanitarian organisations, development partners, and the international community to help affected communities access food, clean water, and livelihood support.