Eastern Equatoria State governor Louis Lobong has formalized the decision to establish a new administrative area in the state.
“I, Louis Lobong Lojore, Governor of Eastern Equatoria State, hereby issue this order for the establishment of Kauto Administrative Area in Kapoeta East,” the Gubernatorial order said in part.
Kauto, a newly established administrative area in Kapoeta East County, Eastern Equatoria State, South Sudan, is experiencing conflict, particularly related to cattle raiding and resource scarcity. The conflict involves the Toposa community of Eastern Equatoria and the Murle from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area.
In April last year (2024), armed criminals from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area crossed into Eastern Equatoria State and attacked villages in Kauto, killing 31 people and abducting 24 children. Thousands of livestock were also stolen during the raid.
The conflict also affected the neighboring Jie community, preventing them from accessing basic services in Kuron due to fear of being killed along the road that links Kapoeta region to Boma County in the GPAA.
“We have tried to reconcile the communities by conducting dialogues, but we are still witnessing ongoing violence. As the local authorities, we call on partners, including UNMISS, to support and facilitate reconciliation to settle the conflict,” said Abdallah Angelo Lokeno, Commissioner of Kapoeta East County.
In 2022, the Toposa, Murle, Jie, and Kachipo communities signed a resolution to implement punitive measures to prevent child abduction and cattle related conflict and promote peaceful coexistence in Eastern Equatoria State and the GPAA. But the problems persisted.
“Since last year, we have been planning a reconciliation process for Murle and the Toposa with our counterparts from Eastern Equatoria to address their grievances because there are a lot of challenges, including the scarcity of grazing land and water points,” said Alston Yaro, then Commissioner of Jebel Boma County in Greater Pibor Administrative Area.
Local leaders urged governor Lobong to create more administrative areas so that marginalized citizens can benefit. By Correspondent, The City Review
