Eastern Equatoria parliament reopens

TORIT – The Eastern Equatoria State Revitalized Transitional Legislative Assembly reopened on Monday in Torit after a long delay caused by extensive renovations to the August House.

Governor Louis Lobong Lojore, who presided over the opening ceremony, welcomed the assembly members and urged them to coordinate their activities to improve service delivery in their respective constituencies. He emphasized the importance of tabling challenges for discussion to find effective solutions.

Governor Lobong acknowledged that earlier in 2024, the state had witnessed organized cattle raids, child abductions, and killings by criminals traced to the neighboring Greater Pibor Administrative Area. He also expressed concern over gang violence in towns, communal cattle thefts, and road ambushes.

Despite these issues, Lobong stated that the security situation had been stabilized through the efforts of security forces and community collaboration.

“We have witnessed devastating hunger and an ongoing economic crisis that has severely impacted the state, triggered by poor harvests due to prolonged drought and an invasion of weaver birds across the state,” Lobong said.

He noted that state institutions and humanitarian partners are working to address the socio-economic challenges and urged the assembly to promote self-reliance and hard work as the only way to improve the state’s economic situation.

“I am aware that the entire country has scarce resources, and I believe you too are very much aware of this reality. It is important that we enlighten our citizens of the truth and ask them to work very hard to overcome economic challenges by cultivating enough food for ourselves and surplus for the market,” Lobong reiterated.

Meanwhile, Speaker Charles Udwar praised Governor Lobong for his dedication to developing various sectors, particularly the security sector, which has been instrumental in driving positive change in the state.

Udwar also commended the governor for his commitment to strengthening the pillars of democracy and governance in Eastern Equatoria State.