By Sabri Dibaco
The governor of Eastern Equatoria State, Louis Lobong Lojore, arrived in Juba leading a high-level delegation to present the findings of the state government’s fact-finding committee into the killing of the commissioner of Kapoeta East County.
The delegation comprises state government officials as well as representatives of the Jie and Toposa communities.
Their mission is to brief the national leadership on the committee’s findings and seek government intervention to ensure accountability for the killing.
According to a press statement issued by the Office of the Governor, Governor Lobong said the delegation’s visit aims to present the facts surrounding the assassination of the Kapoeta East County commissioner, who was killed on 11 June 2026 in Kesengor while on an official peace mission.
“We are here to present to the leadership of our country, the Republic of South Sudan, the findings of the investigation committee that was tasked with establishing the circumstances surrounding the assassination of the Commissioner of Kapoeta East County by elements from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area,” the statement quoted the governor as saying.
Governor Lobong said the state government intends to submit the report directly to President Salva Kiir Mayardit and other relevant national institutions to support further investigations and facilitate appropriate action.
The governor further claimed that individuals suspected of involvement in the killing have been identified, alleging that some are serving within the administration of the Greater Pibor Administrative Area.
“We are appealing to the national government to assist in apprehending the suspects because they are known. Some of them are officials within the Greater Pibor Administrative Area administration. They are known by name, and some even admitted to and apologised for the killing of the commissioner. It was a very sad incident,” the statement said.
The governor emphasised that territorial disputes should never result in violence against public officials and urged all parties to resolve disagreements through lawful and peaceful means.
He also appealed for calm among communities in Eastern Equatoria State, particularly the youth of the Toposa and Jie communities, urging them to refrain from retaliation and allow legal processes to take their course.
“I would like to pass this message to the youth and the people of Eastern Equatoria State to remain calm. The state government is presenting this case to the national government, and we should await its response. I also appeal to the youth of the Toposa and Jie communities to continue protecting citizens from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area who are living peacefully in Eastern Equatoria State,” the statement added.
Governor Lobong reiterated that the delegation’s visit is intended to ensure the national government receives the investigation report directly and takes appropriate action in pursuit of justice for the late commissioner.
He concluded by urging all communities to uphold peace, unity, and the rule of law as the national government reviews the findings and determines the next course of action following the tragic incident in Kesengor.