The
government of Eastern Equatoria State has threatened legal action against the
Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) regarding allegations of youth
mobilization.
According to
media reports, GPAA Information Minister Oleyo Akuer Nyalus claimed that
high-ranking officials, including Eastern Equatoria Governor Louis Lobong, were
mobilizing youth to attack Pibor.
This
situation exacerbates the ongoing tensions between the two regions and the need
for dialogue and resolution to prevent further conflict.
In a press
statement, Governor Louis Lobong Lojore stated that the government is waiting
for evidence from the GPAA to substantiate these claims or an apology before
considering legal action against the minister involved.
He emphasized
that, despite constant attacks by armed youth from the GPAA, Eastern Equatoria
has refrained from accusing the administrative area's leadership.
The governor
pointed out that the GPAA was aware of the mobilization efforts for over three
months but did not intervene.
Lobong stated
that if the GPAA cannot prove its claims, it should apologize to Eastern
Equatoria and the government.
“We are still
waiting for them to provide us evidence of their allegations. They must prove
to us that we are involved,” it partly reads.
“If they
don’t have proof, they either apologize to the people of Eastern Equatoria and
the government and myself. If not, then we shall take legal action against that
minister.”
Additionally,
Lobong refuted claims that the government and the community had blocked the
road, stating that the closure was a result of ongoing conflicts between Pibor
youth and communities along the route to Greater Pibor.
He urged for
a robust strategy to engage the conflicting communities in peaceful dialogue in
order to bring an end to the violence and guarantee the safety of travelers.