By Lodu William Odiya
Eastern Equatoria State Caretaker Governor Louis Lobong has called on all ten sections of the Toposa community to condemn the violence at the Nakeke mining site involving residents and security forces.
The governor’s press unit underscored and emphasised that it urged community leaders, youth, women, and elders to unite and take immediate action to restore peace and stability.
“He called for an immediate collective response from all stakeholders to resolve the dispute and enable people to return safely to the Nakeke mining site,” they stated.
He also emphasised the importance of unity, dialogue, and cooperation among all ten Toposa sections, government authorities, residents, and mining companies.
Meanwhile, the Caretaker Commissioner of Kapoeta South County clarified the circumstances surrounding the incident at the Nakeke mining site.
According to the commissioner, security forces did not fire at residents; rather, he alleged that residents fired at the security forces.
He also denied reports circulating on media platforms claiming that shops had been burnt in Nakeke, stating that, instead, one or two government vehicles had been burnt by residents.
The Commissioner criticised what he described as exaggerated and misleading reports about the Governor and his duties as Commissioner.
He called on the public to verify information before sharing it to avoid creating unnecessary tension.
Leaders representing other Toposa sections emphasised that the Nakeke mining site is an important source of livelihood for many communities.
They condemned the violence and appealed to local youth to stop fighting, unite, and protect their people.
Speakers expressed concern over the suffering of children, the difficulties facing women, and the distress of elders.
Women representatives also called for peace, dialogue, and reconciliation to resolve the dispute peacefully.
The chairman urged all community members to remain calm, assuring the gathering that the executive body was working closely to address the situation.
He also apologised for the incident and called for collective efforts to restore peace among the affected communities.
The mayor urged youth, women, elders, and politicians to carry the message of peace to their communities and avoid inciting violence.
He emphasised that everyone must respect the law and government institutions, warning that anyone who violates the law should be held accountable through the appropriate legal procedures.
The mayor further called on the public to exercise personal responsibility, respect government systems, and avoid using political differences to encourage unrest.
The gathering resolved to condemn the fighting at the Nakeke mining site and called for an immediate end to hostilities.
All Karengak leaders were urged to meet with youth, women, and elders to resolve the dispute peacefully.
Furthermore, security forces and local youth were urged to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation.
The local youth were encouraged to return to the cattle camps and resume their livestock-keeping responsibilities.
Mining companies were urged to establish clear, lawful agreements with local communities to address concerns and prevent future disputes.
They stated that individuals suspected of criminal activities should be handed over to the relevant government authorities for legal action.
The public were urged to avoid spreading unverified information or escalating tensions without evidence.
The gathering reaffirmed the importance of peace, unity, and collective responsibility in addressing the situation at the Nakeke mining site.
Community leaders called on all stakeholders to work together to protect lives and property, resolve misunderstandings peacefully, and restore stability.