Eastern Equatoria State Governor Louis Lobong Lojore on Saturday called on the Otuho Community in Oudo in Torit County’s Bur Payam to abandon harmful cultural practices, embrace peace, and use agriculture to ensure food security.
He made the remarks during the Annual Allam Festival in Bur, which attracts thousands of people to celebrate Otuho culture and showcase various activities like a traditional marathon, which highlights local athletic talent, and several events centered around hunting and wrestling.
The festival also serves as a platform for community discussions regarding security, agricultural practices, and essential social services.
Governor Lobong emphasized the need to discard outdated and detrimental customs, particularly the practice of giving young girls as compensation for murder.
“Culture is very important; we need to preserve it, but there are certain unacceptable practices. For instance, if someone commits murder, they will face legal consequences, which could result in a death penalty or compensation in cattle,” he said. “The idea of taking an innocent girl as compensation for a crime she did not commit is something that must end.”
He further criticized other damaging cultural practices, such as the tradition of physically punishing a man for impregnating a girl, advocating instead for legal resolutions to personal disputes.
“Instead of using violence, such issues should be settled through the court system. Additionally, the practice of tying a red cloth on a spear to boast about the number of people one has killed must cease,” he counseled. “We should celebrate achievements that contribute positively to our communities, like agricultural yields and educational accomplishments.”
Highlighting the importance of animal conservation, Governor Lobong declared, “During this Allam, it is prohibited to kill animals; while private livestock belongs to individuals, the wildlife in our forests is protected by the government. We benefit from these resources and should not destroy them.”
He stressed the importance of unity and peace among the people of Eastern Equatoria, saying that all the communities must coexist peacefully.
“We must love one another. Our diverse cultures contribute to the beauty of Eastern Equatoria, and we must nurture peace. Festivals like this foster unity,” he stated. “Everything we need is in our soil; wealth can be generated right here. If we cultivate in peace, we will enrich ourselves. For the youth seeking marriage, agricultural productivity will provide essential resources.”
For his part, Lokang Charles Italian, the caretaker commissioner of Torit County, expressed optimism for a future characterized by peace and unity.
“For the past 14 years, following the outbreak of war in South Sudan, Oudo has suffered from internal strife, which has fractured the community. Today’s celebration should symbolize a commitment to peace, love, and solidarity,” he said. “There is no room for conflict now; it is time to prepare for meaningful participation in upcoming elections. Leadership should be sought through the ballot box, not through violence. You, the people of Oudo, must reject any forces that seek to disrupt your peace and divide you.”
Lokang also urged the community to desist from cattle raiding and fighting. Acknowledging that Oudo has no existing conflict with neighboring areas, he encouraged residents to prioritize peace and focus on agricultural development and business ventures to improve their livelihoods.