JUBA — Governor of South Sudan’s Eastern Equatoria State, Gen. Louis Lobong Lojore, has announced the creation of two new administrative units as part of efforts to improve local governance and service delivery across the state.
The decision, announced after a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, is aimed at bringing government services closer to communities and strengthening administrative efficiency in remote areas.
Speaking to the media after the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Eastern Equatoria State Minister of Information John Elia Ahaji said the Council of Ministers approved the establishment of Jie and Ngauro as administrative areas.
“The Council of Ministers approved the establishment of the Jie Administrative Area with its headquarters in Lopeat and the Ngauro Administrative Area with its headquarters in Ngauro town,” Elia said.
He said the move is aimed at strengthening local governance and bringing services closer to communities as well as enhancing government presence in underserved areas.
“We will work with the community and the relevant institutions to see how those challenges can be addressed. This requires a process because it requires funds, and people need to sit together.”
Elia stated that the area has been experiencing notable service delivery gaps that necessitate considerable resources, improved coordination among government institutions
“First of all, we need to secure a peaceful environment for people to explore options on how certain challenges can be addressed.”
He encouraged the communities in Toposa, Jie, and Murle to uphold peaceful coexistence and to avoid taking the law into their own hands.
“The government calls upon all communities to remain calm and allow the relevant authorities to address the issues through peaceful means,” he said.
The establishment of the Jie and Ngauro Administrative Areas marks a significant administrative development in Eastern Equatoria State.
For years, residents of Jie and Ngauro have faced major challenges, including limited access to clean water, healthcare services, and education facilities.
The approval of the Jie Administrative Area comes at a time of heightened tensions over the disputed Kessengor area, which is claimed by both Eastern Equatoria State and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area.
The territorial dispute gained national attention earlier this month following the killing of Kapoeta East County Commissioner Stephen Lowosio during violence linked to the contested area.
