By Chol D. Johnson
The Commissioner of Torit County, Lokan Charles, has emphasized that agriculture is the key to overcoming economic hardship in South Sudan.
In an interview with the media over the weekend, Lokan urged citizens of Torit to return to farming, stressing that agriculture is central to rebuilding livelihoods.
“Let us love one another and return to our farms. Agriculture is the key to overcoming economic hardship,” he said.
He appealed to displaced residents to return home and cultivate their land, noting that farming would help end the suffering of the community.
“Our people have suffered enough. We do not need war; we need peace. War brings destruction and loss of life,” Lokan urged.
Highlighting insecurity and economic hardship as the most pressing challenges facing Torit County in Eastern Equatoria State, he called for a revival of farming to rebuild the county. Lokan noted that rural communities are gradually resuming agricultural activities as calm returns.
“Torit is one of the food-producing counties in South Sudan. We are encouraging our people to resume farming to improve food security and livelihoods,” he said.
He also pointed to the opening of a new market in Nanyif, supported by development partners, describing it as part of broader efforts to expand economic opportunities and strengthen local trade.
Reflecting on last year’s outbreak of violence, Lokan described it as a major setback that disrupted livelihoods, displaced communities, and undermined food production across the county.
“The major challenge we faced was insecurity, which broke out last year. It affected farmers and traders who could not access Torit, the state headquarters,” he said. “The economic hardship across South Sudan also contributed to low food production.”
He explained that the combined impact of violence and economic strain left many families unable to cultivate their land or transport produce to markets, deepening food shortages and financial hardship.
However, Lokan noted that the security situation has improved in recent weeks, revealing that January passed without any reported incidents.
“In January, we recorded no incidents. We are persuading the concerned groups and planning ground negotiations to restore lasting peace and security,” he explained.
He added that local authorities are closely monitoring the situation while engaging communities at the grassroots level. On development matters, he clarified that most urban projects fall under the municipality in the state capital.
Lokan concluded by calling for unity and reconciliation, stressing that sustainable peace requires collective responsibility.