By Ijoo Bosco
Eastern Equatoria government, in collaboration with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), has pledged to restore peace and confidence among communities in the state.
This commitment was made during a meeting between Governor Louis Lobong Lojore and Guy Griffin, the head of the UNMISS field office in Torit.
The discussions centered around a renewed commitment to serve the people of Eastern Equatoria by promoting peace and building trust among feuding communities.
Mr. Oringa John Geoffrey, press secretary in governor’s office, said that the UNMISS field office head assured the state leadership of their dedication to supporting community projects, such as cooperative societies, to enhance food productivity.
He said Mr. Griffin reaffirm UNMISS’s commitment to working with the state government to serve the people of Eastern Equatoria.
They also discussed the green light given by UNMISS to support community projects aimed at uplifting production, stated Oringa.
In addition, the meeting addressed the urgent need to repair the fragile Khor Timsar Bridge along the Kapoeta road, which is vital for the delivery of goods and services to the greater Kapoeta area.
Governor Lobong and Mr. Griffin agreed to form a joint technical team of engineers from both UNMISS and the state government to assess the bridge’s condition and plan for its rehabilitation before the onset of the rainy season, Oringa said.
“Assessment of Torit Kapoeta road more especially need of fixing Khor Timsar bridge, yeah they agree that, it can be done with Culvert so both agreed for technical state engineers to meet as soon as possible as technical team to determine crucial plans on what should be done as khor timsar bridge is a concern before the rainy season begins since it’s a live line to greater Kapoeta,” adds Oringa.
Governor Lobong acknowledged the significant contributions of the UNMISS Torit field office to the people of Eastern Equatoria across various sectors.
Mr. Oringa also noted that current road rehabilitation efforts by UNMISS in Torit will extend to Lafon County, improving mobility for residents and traders.
“HE. Louis Lobong Lojore Governor of eastern Equatoria state acknowledge and appreciates the cooperation of UNMISS all this while and also the current maintainer of road by UNMISS within Torit Town that will also reach up to Lafon. It’s an ongoing project now, the governor also affirm UNMISS’ relations within the state without any hindrance,” explains Oringa
The Governor further urged UNMISS to help restore confidence and peace among the feuding communities of Greater Administrative Areas and Greater Kapoeta Counties.
He called for dialogue between Murle and Toposa elders to address tensions arising from ongoing cattle raids and child abductions.
According to Mr. Oringa, Lobong highlighted the importance of restoring trust between Murle and Toposa elders in light of disputes caused by Murle youth’s cattle raids in Greater Kapoeta.
He said this dialogue is vital for promoting peace in the region and promoting coexistence among South Sudanese.