Lobong summons community leaders over closure of county commissioner’s office

JUBA – Tensions are escalating in South Sudan’s Eastern Equatoria state following a dramatic escalation of communal tensions.

A group of youths, known as the Pari Monyomiji, has taken matters into their own hands by forcefully closing the office of the Lafon county commissioner.

The unprecedented move has ignited a crisis that is threatening to destabilize the state.

The Pari Monyomiji, citing grievances against the commissioner, accused him of mismanagement and corruption.

A spokesperson for the group, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “We are tired of the commissioner’s mismanagement. We had no other option but to close his office.”

The group’s actions have disrupted essential government services, causing widespread inconvenience to the local population.

State authorities have responded with alarm to the situation. Elia John Alhaj, the state information minister, strongly condemned the actions of the Pari Monyomiji, characterizing them as unlawful and detrimental to peace and stability.

“Such actions are unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” Alhaj stated in an interview with Sudans Post. “We urge the community to follow legal channels to address their grievances.”

Local leaders have also expressed deep concern over the incident. Simon Ugwak, a prominent figure within the Pari community, appealed for calm and urged the youth to engage in peaceful dialogue.

“We condemn the closure of the commissioner’s office,” Ugwak said. “We urge the youth to remain calm and allow authorities to investigate the matter.”

The crisis in Eastern Equatoria underscores the fragile security situation in South Sudan.

The incident highlights the challenges faced by the government in maintaining law and order, particularly in rural areas where traditional authority structures often compete with formal state institutions.

As tensions simmer, there are growing fears that the conflict could escalate, leading to further violence and displacement.

The government has called for an urgent meeting of community leaders to address the crisis and prevent further deterioration of the situation.