According to a statement issued by Siro Silvio Ewak, the Ag. Executive Director in the Office of the Governor dated 7 July, Lobong “never made such a statement and did not mention the name of Mamur”, who was promoted from the rank of Lieutenant General to Four-Star General in the National Security Services in September 2025.
The denial follows the circulation of claims on social media suggesting the governor had belittled Mamur’s ministerial position while addressing the ruling SPLM gathering.
According to the statement, Lobong’s presentation focused exclusively on Eastern Equatoria State’s representation within the SPLM and the national government.
“His Excellency’s remarks focused solely on the need for equitable representation of Eastern Equatoria State within the SPLM Party and the National Executive,” the statement said.
The governor reportedly noted that Eastern Equatoria currently has only two representatives in the SPLM Political Bureau and holds a single national ministerial portfolio, “which is not a service-delivery ministry,” arguing for what he described as fair and balanced representation of the state in national institutions.
The governor’s office accused unnamed individuals of deliberately fabricating the statement to fuel political tensions.
“The circulating statement is a deliberate fabrication by the enemies of peace intended only to mislead the public, create division among our great leaders, and undermine the unity, peace, and progress of our people,” the statement said.
The office urged members of the public to ignore the alleged misinformation, avoid sharing unverified content on social media, and rely on official communication channels for accurate information.
It further stressed that Lobong maintains a cordial working relationship with Mamur and other national leaders.
“H.E. Gen. Louis Lobong Lojore maintains cordial and respectful relations with Hon. Gen. Isaac Mamur Mette and all national leaders and remains committed to promoting unity, peace, and equitable representation for Eastern Equatoria State and the Republic of South Sudan,” the statement added.
The clarification comes amid heightened political debate over regional representation in national institutions as the ruling SPLM prepares for the country’s planned elections, with state leaders increasingly raising concerns over the distribution of senior government and party positions.
