Eastern Equatoria State declared Kauto a new administrative area on Wednesday, carving it out of Kapoeta East County. Kapoeta East is located in southeastern South Sudan, bordering Kenya to the south and Ethiopia to the east.
In South Sudan, an administrative area is a region with a distinct governance structure, often created to address unique local needs or disputes.
The Kauto area grapples with intercommunal violence—notably cattle raiding—and climate shocks that have fueled food shortages and displacement.
The move to declare a new administrative area followed resolutions from the state Council of Ministers’ 11th regular sitting and a subsequent meeting (No. 22, 2025) endorsing Kauto’s establishment.
Governor Louis Lobong Lojore formalized the decision in Gubernatorial Order No. 14/2025, citing the state’s transitional constitution (Article 99, Sub-Articles A and B). The gubernatorial decree, read on state radio 97.5 FM, took effect June 18.
“I, Louis Lobong Lojore, Governor of Eastern Equatoria State, hereby issue this order for the establishment of Kauto Administrative Area in Kapoeta East,” the proclamation stated.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, Jimmy Kilang, interim chairperson of the state’s Civil Society Network, praised the move as a step toward inclusive governance and improved service delivery.
“We urge the governor to create more administrative areas so marginalized communities can benefit,” Kilang said. “This is a significant achievement amid current limitations on expanding local governance structures.”
However, Ter Manyang, executive director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy, contested the decision, arguing that only South Sudan’s president holds the authority to establish administrative areas.
“Unilateral actions risk fueling conflicts and divisions,” Manyang said. “The governor should consult stakeholders—community leaders, civil society, and the president—before such measures.”