By Deng Ghai Deng
Authorities in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) have accused neighboring Eastern Equatoria state of orchestrating the mobilization of local armed youth to launch attacks on Pibor.
Oleyo Akuer Nyaluth, the GPAA’s minister of information, claimed that high-ranking officials, including Eastern Equatoria’s Governor Louis Lobong, are complicit in this effort.
“We have received reports of youth mobilization aimed at attacking areas such as Jebel Boma and Marua, with the governor allegedly supporting this initiative,” Nyaluth stated.
In contrast, Eastern Equatoria’s minister of information, Elia John Ahaji, rejected the accusations as unfounded, asserting that Governor Lobong is committed to peace.
“We are not aware of any such mobilization. If it were true, we would take immediate action to prevent it. We cannot allow our people to attack a peaceful community; it serves no benefit to the government,” Ahaji emphasized.
GPAA and Eastern Equatoria State have a history of conflict, primarily related to cattle rustling and child abduction, raising concerns about escalating tensions between the two areas.