A Petition for the Immediate Removal of H.E. Louis Lobong Lojore from Office as Governor of Eastern Equatoria State, South Sudan

 

To:

1. H.E Salva Kiir Mayardit, The President, Republic of South Sudan
2.  H.E Admiral Andrew Gering, The United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
3. H.E Dr Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International
4. H.E Tomoko Amen, International Criminal Court (ICC)

Subject: Urgent Call for the Removal of H.E. Louis Lobong Lojore as Governor of Eastern Equatoria State due to Human Rights Violations, Incitement of Ethnic Conflict, and Dereliction of Duty in Promoting Peace.

We, the undersigned, urgently call on the The President of The Republic of South Sudan; H.E Salva Kiir Mayardit, UNSC, ICC, and Amnesty International to take immediate and decisive action in removing H.E. Louis Lobong Lojore from his position as Governor of Eastern Equatoria State (EES). This petition is based on the following documented grievances and violations committed under his leadership, which have endangered the lives and well-being of countless South Sudanese citizens:

1. Mobilization of Illegal Armed Groups to Perpetrate Massacres Against Dinka Bor Cattle Keepers

 H.E. Louis Lobong Lojore, has mobilized various communities in Eastern Equatoria State (EES) —including the Lotuho (Monyimijis), Buya, Didinga, Toposa, and Murle tribesmen in Greater Pibor—to perpetrate massacres against Dinka Bor cattle keepers. All these threats correlated with the recent killing of 47 Dinka Bor cattle keepers  on January 31, 2025 in Nyolo village of Aru Junction, and the earlier killing of 22 individuals in Melijoh and Mugali areas on May 11, 2022, which included women, children, and the elderly, all incidents happened in Magwi County. The petition contends that Governor Lobong facilitated or encouraged the mobilization of local militias and armed youth against Dinka Bor cattle keepers under the pretext of protecting local communities from cattle-related conflicts and addressing crop destruction during severely dry seasons. 

2. Incitement of Ethnic Hostilities and Xenophobic Rhetoric

 H.E. Luis Lobong Lojore’s political rhetoric and public statements have, at times, been perceived as fueling ethnic divisions rather than fostering peaceful coexistence among South Sudanese communities. He has been politicizing the destruction of crops during severely dry seasons, spreading misinformation by falsely claiming that local communities oppose the presence of Dinka Bor cattle keepers in their areas. Furthermore, he is alleged to have incited members of the Madi community to forcibly remove Dinka internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Nimule and to compel Dinka Bor cattle keepers to return to their ancestral lands. These actions stand in stark contrast to the constitutional rights enshrined in South Sudan’s laws, which clearly state that every citizen has the freedom to live, work, and conduct business anywhere within the country, provided they abide by the law. Lobong’s stance promotes a dangerous narrative suggesting that only Eastern Equatorians have the right to reside in the region, thereby legitimizing xenophobic sentiments and contributing to community tensions and violence

3. Failure to Implement Conflict Resolution Mechanisms

As Governor, Lobong has a fundamental responsibility to foster peace, reconciliation, and the well-being of all communities under his administration. However, his leadership has seen Eastern Equatoria descend into unresolved conflict. However, his administration has consistently neglected peacebuilding efforts, allowing tensions to escalate unchecked, particularly in areas where the Dinka Bor massacres occurred. Reports indicate that Lobong actively obstructed conflict resolution and peace-building initiatives between the Honorable Commissioners of Magwi County and Bor County, who had initially agreed on structured and sequenced terms for the peaceful relocation of cattle keepers from Magwi County. This constructive effort was later abandoned following directives from the Governor himself. Moreover, it is alleged that Lobong had a contingency plan in place—should peaceful negotiations fail—consisting of the mobilization and strategic deployment of illegally armed militias to carry out attacks on Dinka Bor cattle camps. These actions directly undermine efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability in his State - Eastern Equatoria State (EES). Therefore; his actions directly contradict his duties as a state leader, hindering peace efforts and exacerbating violence.

4. Exacerbation of Community Divisions Through Inflammatory Statements and Actions

Governor Lobong’s continued use of divisive rhetoric has further deepened tensions between ethnic groups, particularly in Eastern Equatoria. By promoting narratives of ethnic superiority and division, he has fostered an environment where violence and mistrust thrive. His speeches and public statements have consistently scapegoated certain communities, particularly the Dinka Bor, escalating hostilities rather than fostering constructive dialogue on resource management and land use. His reckless actions have turned what should have been a peaceful discussion into an ethnic conflict with devastating consequences for civilians.

5. Disregard for International Humanitarian Laws and Human Rights Violations

Governor Lobong’s actions have violated key international humanitarian laws and fundamental human rights, particularly the rights to life, security, and freedom of movement. His failure to protect civilians from armed militias, his open disregard for citizens’ right to live and work anywhere in South Sudan, and his incitement of ethnic violence all highlight his unwillingness to uphold the principles of peace and justice.

Furthermore, his failure to acknowledge the suffering of displaced communities in his state, particularly Dinka Bor cattle keepers, raises serious concerns about his commitment to serving all South Sudanese citizens. As a leader, he is obligated to uphold justice, human rights, and national unity. Instead, his actions have violated these principles by fostering hatred, inciting violence, and neglecting his duty to protect vulnerable populations.

Call for Action

We urge the Republic of South Sudan, and the International body to take swift action in removing H.E. Louis Lobong Lojore from office and make him accounts for all the atrocities he had committed. His actions have led to the loss of lives, destruction of livelihoods, and the deepening of ethnic hatred. His continued leadership threatens the stability of South Sudan, particularly in Eastern Equatoria, and undermines efforts to achieve lasting peace.

We call for the immediate removal of H.E. Louis Lobong Lojore, the implementation of measures to ensure justice for the victims of these atrocities, and the restoration of peacebuilding efforts under leadership that prioritizes dialogue, reconciliation, and the protection of all citizens, regardless of their ethnicity or livelihood.

Signed,

[Full Names]

We trust that the international community and the South Sudanese government will act decisively to end the impunity under which H.E. Louis Lobong Lojore has operated, and prioritize the protection and peaceful coexistence of all communities within South Sudan.