Eastern Equatoria State Governor Louis Lobong Lojore has issued a strict warning prohibiting state officials from using government vehicles outside South Sudan.
He announced on Monday during the swearing-in ceremony of newly appointed state officials, including the deputy mayor for administration and finance at the Torit Municipal Council and the deputy mayor for administration and finance at the Nimule Municipal Council.
Lobong emphasized that no one should use government vehicles to travel outside the country or remain abroad for extended periods. He stated that even travel to Juba, the capital, must be approved by him in advance.
“Today (Monday), I make it very clear that those with government vehicles cannot go outside the country with the vehicle and spend many months,” he stated. “It is even expensive to go with a vehicle to another country. Even to go to Juba, I have to be informed, and this should be very clear to everybody.”
Reacting to the governor’s move, Ukullu Charles, the Executive Director of the Peace Link Foundation Organization, praised the decision, noting that it reflects his leadership experience and commitment to the safety and security of the people.
“The restrictions by the governor are in place. As he is the longest-serving governor in South Sudan, he is well-versed about safety and security in the state,” he said. “He is aware of what is going on and also knows the reason why he has taken the precautionary measures.”
While the Governor did not disclose the specific reasons for his order, observers believe it stems from concerns about the disappearance of government vehicles in neighbouring countries.
In July, Eastern Equatoria State’s Minister of Peacebuilding, Marko Lokidor Lochapio, was reported missing along with a government vehicle, raising alarm about his whereabouts. The state’s information minister, Elia John Ahaji, later confirmed Lokidor’s disappearance to the press and revealed that reports indicated that the government vehicle with registration number RSS EEG 143A, which was in his possessio,n might have been sold off in Uganda.