Eastern Equatoria State Governor Louis Lobong Lojore on Monday ordered a ceasefire in Hiyala payam, warning that communities failing to comply would be treated as hostile. The move comes amid persistent violence and insecurity in the area.
Governor Lobong visited villages including Hiyala, Murahatiha, Tirangore, and Haforiere after returning to Torit from a weekend prayer gathering.
He was accompanied by senior security officials, including Gen. Moses Makuol Ajang, commander of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces Division 7; Gen. Valentino Obur Ukach, state head of national security; and Gen. Lazarus Wani Tranquilo, state police commissioner. Several state ministers and the local member of parliament also joined the delegation.
Addressing local communities, Lobong emphasized the importance of ending hostilities and warned that any continued fighting would prompt government forces to take strict action.
“We are not here to investigate or personally resolve this problem, but from today until the Christmas and New Year celebrations, all fighting must cease,” Lobong said. “We want people to be able to move freely and celebrate without fear. Those responsible for unrest must be identified and reported to village chiefs. We will hold them accountable.”
Gen. Makuol Ajang reinforced the governor’s message, urging residents to embrace peace and resist outside influences seeking to foment conflict. “The government has entrusted us with this responsibility. We are all South Sudanese and weary of this endless cycle of violence. Focus on cultivating and benefiting from this fertile land instead of allowing discord to reign,” he said.
Local residents expressed support for the ceasefire.
Okwahi Francis Galdino of Haforiere village said, “What the governor has spoken is final. The issues we face are personal, and we all bear responsibility for our actions. We fully accept the six orders and will abide by them.”
Patrick Aieteng, another youth from the area, added, “We acknowledge the orders and will refrain from any wrongdoing. If issues arise, we will report them to the chief.”
Paride Oliha, a resident of Murahatiha, expressed relief at the governor’s intervention. “Many lives have already been lost. We are glad the governor has finally arrived to address our plight,” he said.