JUBA – South Sudan’s Eastern Equatoria State Governor Louis Lobong Lojore has called on members of Parliament to support the state government in its pursuit of justice following the killing of the Kapoeta East County Commissioner.
Stephen Lowosio Lomongin was killed on June 12, 2026, while on an official visit to Kessengor, a disputed area claimed by both Eastern Equatoria State and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA).
Governor Lobong made the appeal while addressing lawmakers representing Eastern Equatoria State at the Transitional National Legislative Assembly on Friday in Juba.
During the meeting, Lobong gave a detailed briefing on the findings into the killing of the late Kapoeta East County Commissioner, as well as ongoing disputes over the ownership of Kessengor by the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA).
“We are here in Juba to engage national authorities and seek support in ensuring that pressure is exerted on the leadership of GPAA to apprehend and hand over those responsible for the killing of the slain commissioner so that they face justice,” Lobong said.
He said the briefing was aimed at providing the national lawmakers with first-hand and credible information and verified facts on the incident.
Lobong clarified that the late commissioner had traveled to the area to reduce tensions among youth from the Jie, Peimong, and Mogos communities following clashes that claimed the lives of four young people.
He disputed early reports that he was killed by residents of Kessengor after allegedly entering the town while firing shots.
“The relations between Eastern Equatoria State and all neighboring states remain cordial, although concerns persist over child abductions and highway robberies allegedly carried out by criminal elements from the Murle community.”
He highlighted the state’s longstanding goodwill towards GPAA, recalling that Eastern Equatoria supported the establishment of the Pibor Administrative Area by donating vehicles as a gesture of cooperation and friendship.
The national MPs expressed their full support for the state government’s efforts to ensure due legal procedures are followed and justice is served.
They commended Governor Lobong for promptly engaging relevant national institutions in pursuit of accountability for the killing.
The lawmakers further said that a motion on the matter will be tabled before the National Legislative Assembly for deliberation.
They emphasized that investigations must continue until all those responsible are identified, apprehended, and brought before the law.
