By Alan Clement
The Governor of Eastern Equatoria State, Louis Lobong Lojore, has called for unity and cross-border cooperation with Ateker Cluster communities from South Sudan and Kenya.
Governor Lobong made an appeal the previous week during a meeting with leaders of the Ateker communities, where discussions centered on strengthening collaboration and regional integration.
As reported by the governor’s office, Governor Lobong emphasized the importance of community-led initiatives that respect national sovereignty while advancing shared development goals.
“Regional integration is a privilege, not a threat,” Lobong stated. “It must be pursued within the framework of existing government structures and international borders, with the sole aim of fostering peace, unity, and prosperity,” he added.
The Ateker Cluster, which spans communities across South Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia, is working to formalize its governance structures. Kenya’s Presidential Envoy on Ateker Affairs, John Munyes, outlined a roadmap that includes the appointment of patrons and chairpersons, the formation of an executive body, and the creation of specialized committees.
“We are finalizing the Ateker Cluster’s institutional framework across four countries,” Munyes announced.
Munyes further disclosed that the Draft Ateker Constitution will soon be circulated for review and amendment before its endorsement by the General Assembly.
The meeting brought together traditional leaders, government officials, and civil society representatives committed to strengthening inter-community ties and addressing shared challenges such as insecurity, underdevelopment, and limited access to services.
Governor Lobong urged Ateker leaders to sensitize their communities on the benefits of regional collaboration, stressing that such efforts must complement but not compete with national governance systems.
The gathering concluded with a joint commitment to convene a major Ateker Conference following the review of the Draft Constitution by respective clusters, signaling a new phase in regional dialogue and grassroots diplomacy.