By Louis Loku
Eastern Equatoria State Governor Louis Lobong Lojore has informed Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Santino Deng Wol that while the state remains relatively peaceful, it continues to face security challenges, including child abductions, cattle raiding, and the activities of armed groups in some areas.
Speaking during the CDF’s official visit to Torit, Governor Lobong said Eastern Equatoria has maintained stability largely through a community policing approach that encourages residents to work closely with security agencies to preserve law and order.
He said the state government continues to commit its limited resources to supporting security operations, ensuring that communities remain safe and are not forced to flee their homes or seek refuge across international borders.
Despite the relative calm, Lobong expressed concern over recurring incidents of child abduction and cattle theft allegedly carried out by armed Murle groups. He claimed that some of the attackers use areas under the control of SPLM/A-IO forces as bases from which they launch raids on local communities.
The governor further alleged that elements linked to the National Salvation Front (NAS) occasionally cross into Eastern Equatoria from neighbouring Central Equatoria State and collaborate with SPLM/A-IO forces to undermine security in parts of the state.
On border security, Lobong said the state administration has continued to engage communities living along international frontiers to promote peaceful coexistence and strengthen cross-border trade relations with neighbouring countries.
He noted that joint border committees have been established to address security concerns, resolve disputes, and support peacebuilding efforts among border communities.
The governor also highlighted logistical challenges facing security forces, particularly shortages of food and other essential supplies needed to sustain troops deployed across the state. He appealed for additional support to improve the effectiveness of ongoing security operations.
Responding to the governor’s briefing, Gen. Santino Deng Wol said his visit was aimed at consulting members of the SSPDF, SPLA-IO, and SSOA on the implementation of security arrangements under the Revitalised Peace Agreement.
He said efforts are ongoing to organise forces that have already joined the government and encourage those who have yet to report to designated training and assembly centres to do so.
Gen. Santino stressed that sustainable peace in Eastern Equatoria can only be achieved through the active participation of local communities, noting that residents are best placed to identify security challenges and contribute to lasting peace and stability.
“We can only achieve lasting peace when communities work hand in hand with security institutions and support the implementation of the peace agreement,” he said.