The newly reappointed caretaker governor of Eastern Equatoria State, Louis Lobong Lojore, has said his administration will focus on maintaining security and creating a peaceful environment for political parties ahead of the December 2026 elections.
He made the remarks on Monday at Torit Freedom Square, where thousands of residents gathered to welcome him back from Juba to take up his new role as caretaker governor.
The governor arrived at Torit Airstrip, where he was received by a large crowd before a procession moved through the town to Freedom Square, where the welcome ceremony was held.
Addressing the gathering, Lobong said he does not view his caretaker role as an opportunity to exercise extensive political authority, but rather as a responsibility to serve the people and prepare the state for elections.
“I have come to be your servant and prepare a way for elections,” he told the crowd. “I am appointed as caretaker governor; I will not be a governor. I am going to be your adviser. I am coming to be your security. I am coming to be your servant in Eastern Equatoria.”
Lobong said his administration’s priority will be to maintain peace and security across the state. He also pledged to create a conducive environment in which political parties and candidates can campaign freely and compete without violence.
He urged political leaders and aspiring candidates to work with his administration to ensure that the state remains peaceful during the electoral period.
“When you go to campaign, don’t speak about other parties. Be specific on your manifestos,” he counseled.
The governor further warned that candidates and political parties that violate campaign regulations will be held accountable under the law.
Meanwhile, Joseph Logye, Secretary-General of the Eastern Equatoria State Government, described Lobong’s return as an important moment for the state following the dissolution of the government and the establishment of caretaker administrations.
He said the state remained peaceful when Lobong was away, with the administration being handled by himself, director-generals and security organs.
Logye called on the people to maintain the spirit of unity and peaceful coexistence as the state moves toward elections.
For his part, Former Deputy Governor Karlo Andrew Akwo, speaking as a representative of political parties, said political differences should not undermine peace in the state.
“These political parties are temporary, but we are all children of Eastern Equatoria; that is why making peace is our general responsibility,” he said, adding that political parties were prepared for the polls.
“No one should pick up a gun to go and destroy someone,” he stated. “We are for the people, but not for destruction.”
He called for healthy political competition and urged political actors to continue using dialogue to resolve disagreements.
The remarks come as South Sudan’s political landscape moves into a new phase following the dissolution of the state governments and the appointment of caretaker administrations ahead of the planned elections.
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