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63-552: Louis Lobong Lojore is the current governor of Eastern Equatoria. The state shares international borders with Uganda in the south, with Kenya in the south-east and with Ethiopia in the north-east. Domestically, it is bordered by Central Equatoria in the west and Jonglei in the north. The Ilemi Triangle in the east, between Eastern Equatoria and Lake Turkana , is or has been disputed among all three abutting states ( South Sudan , Kenya and Ethiopia ). The state had 906,126 people in 2008 (32/sq mi). Eastern Equatoria state

126-558: A United Nations report, an estimated 430 children were victims of sexual violence through military recruitment in South Sudan. USAID continues to work on educational initiatives, including granting 9,000 scholarships to boys and girls. They also have over a dozen educational projects and have constructed 140 primary-level schools and four secondary schools. Over 1.4 million students attend or are involved in USAID educational programs in

189-461: A growing number of SPLA members became wary of his rule, and began to conspire against him. In August 1991, internal dissent among the rebels led opponents of Garang's leadership, most importantly Riek Machar and Lam Akol , to attempt a coup against him. It failed, and the dissidents split off to form their own SPLA faction, the SPLA-Nasir . On 15 November 1991, Machar's SPLA-Nasir alongside

252-565: A north–south conflict. The SPLA, DUP, and Umma Parties were the key groups forming the NDA, along with several smaller parties and northern ethnic groups. In 1995, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Uganda stepped up their military assistance to the SPLA to the point of sending active troops into Sudan. Eritrean and Ethiopian military involvement weakened when the two countries entered a border conflict in 1998. Uganda's support weakened when it shifted its attention to

315-554: A peace initiative for Sudan under the auspices of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), but results have been mixed. Despite that record, the IGAD initiative promulgated the 1994 Declaration of Principles (DOP) that aimed to identify the essential elements necessary to a just and comprehensive peace settlement; i.e. the relationship between religion and the state, power-sharing, wealth-sharing, and

378-547: Is a South Sudanese Politician and a military governor in the rank of lieutenant general in the South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the current governor of Eastern Equatoria State in South Sudan . He was the governor of Eastern Equatoria state from 2010 to 2015, governor of Kapoeta State from 2015 to 2020, and has been the governor of the recreated Eastern Equatoria state since 29 June 2020. Lobong

441-729: Is the longest serving governor in South Sudan. Louis Lobong Lojore was born between 1962 and 1965. He belongs to the Toposa which is one of the largest ethnic group of Eastern Equatoria State, and is from Kapoeta south County . Lojore became a brigadier general in the SPLA during the Second Sudanese Civil War (1983–2005). He was also secretary of the Southern Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Agency (SSRRA) for Greater Kapoeta , Commissioner for greater Kapoeta and deputy governor for greater Equatoria. When

504-824: Is time for us to contribute at regional and international levels for the stability not only of the region but of the world. We need peace among ourselves and our sister countries". Lobong was the only governor of Kapoeta State , from 24 December 2015 to 22 February 2020. The state was created by President Salva Kiir on 2 October 2015. Second Sudanese Civil War Stalemate [REDACTED] Sudan [REDACTED] SSDF [REDACTED] SPLA dissidents [REDACTED] Nuer White Army [REDACTED] Ugandan insurgents: [REDACTED]   Zaire (1994– 1997 ) [REDACTED] al-Qaeda (1991–1996) [REDACTED]   Iraq [REDACTED]   China [REDACTED] SPLA [REDACTED] Tens of thousands The Second Sudanese Civil War

567-611: The Addis Ababa Agreement . Part of this agreement gave religious and cultural autonomy to the south. Despite this a number of mutinies by former Anyanya took place in 1974, 1975, and February 1976 with the March 1975 mutiny at Akobo seeing 200 killed, 150 soldiers executed, and 48 more sentenced to imprisonment for up to 15 years. The accords of the Addis Ababa Agreement had been incorporated in

630-642: The Constitution of Sudan ; the violation of the agreement led to the second civil war. The first violations occurred when President Gaafar Nimeiry attempted to take control of oil fields straddling the north–south border. Oil had been discovered in Bentiu in 1978, in southern Kurdufan and Upper Blue Nile in 1979, the Unity oilfields in 1980 and Adar oilfields in 1981, and in Heglig in 1982. Access to

693-640: The Popular Defense Forces (PDF) were used to attack and raid villages in the south and in the Nuba Mountains . Sudan's governments have a long history of using proxies in southern Sudan, and the north–south border areas, to fight their wars and preserve their regular forces. These militias were recruited locally, and with covert ties to the national government. Many of the Khartoum-aligned groups were created and then armed by

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756-542: The Revolutionary Command Council for National Salvation (RCC) , a military junta of 15 military officers (reduced to 12 in 1991) assisted by a civilian cabinet. Now a General al-Bashir became: president, chief of state, prime minister, and chief of the armed forces. The RCC banned trade unions, political parties, and other "non-religious" institutions. About 78,000 members of the army, police, and civil administration were purged in order to reshape

819-682: The "Gathering"—the military council appointed an interim civilian cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Dr. Al-Jazuli Daf'allah . Elections were held in April 1986, and the transitional military council turned over power to a civilian government as promised. The government was headed by Prime Minister Sadiq al-Mahdi of the Umma Party . It consisted of a coalition of the Umma Party, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) (formerly

882-507: The 19th century and Lokoya of Lowoi. The Acholi , Madi , Iwire and Ofiriha people live in the westernmost Magwi county. Most of the inhabitants of Eastern Equatoria live by subsistence farming, and also raise cattle, sheep and goats. Some of the crops are sold, while most are consumed locally. The Didinga Hills in Budi county have rich and fertile soil that is used for cultivation of tobacco, potatoes, maize, and Dura. The executive head of

945-644: The Islamic fundamentalist NIF. In February 1989, the army presented Prime Minister Sadiq al-Mahdi with an ultimatum: he could move toward peace or be removed. He chose to form a new government with the DUP, and approved the SPLA/DUP peace plan. A constitutional conference was tentatively planned for September 1989. On 30 June 1989, however, military officers under Col. Omar Hassan al-Bashir , with alleged NIF instigation and support, replaced Sadiq al-Mahdi's government with

1008-476: The July 2011 independence celebrations, Lobong urged citizens to play an active role in suppressing cattle rustling, which he described as the biggest challenge to security in South Sudan, one of the poorest countries in the world. He called on them to develop a culture of hard work and to send their children to school. Lobong also called for cordial relations with neighboring countries, including Ethiopia. He said, "It

1071-466: The Khartoum agreements that ended military conflict between the government and significant rebel factions. Many of those leaders then moved to Khartoum where they assumed marginal roles in the central government, or collaborated with the government in military engagements against the SPLA. These three agreements paralleled the terms and conditions of the IGAD agreement, calling for a degree of autonomy for

1134-812: The Lauro and Lotukei areas of Budi County . Lobong was appointed chairman of the Southern Sudan Peace Commission . In October 2009, responding to the recent wave of ethnic violence, Lobong called for the government to take harsh measures to deter others from causing problems. Lobong took his oath of office on 19 May 2010 in a ceremony at the Eastern Equatoria State Legislative Assembly Hall in Torit , taking over from caretaker Governor Johnson Juma Okot. He promised to work towards development of

1197-516: The NIF in a deliberate 'divide and rule' strategy. The widespread activity of insurgent and pro-government militants and increasing lawlessness in southern Sudan resulted in the militarization of many communities. Ethnic violence became widespread, and all sides targeted civilians to destroy the power bases and recruitment centers of their rivals. Those who could formed self-defense groups, and these were often based on familial and tribal links as these were

1260-617: The National Unionist Party), the National Islamic Front (NIF) of Hassan al-Turabi , and several southern region parties. This coalition dissolved and reformed several times over the next few years, with Prime Minister Sadiq al-Mahdi and his Umma Party always in a central role. In May 1986, the Sadiq al-Mahdi government coalition began peace negotiations with the SPLA led by Col. John Garang . In that year

1323-694: The Nuer White Army carried out the Bor massacre , killing an estimated 2000 Dinka civilians. In September 1992, William Nyuon Bany formed a second rebel faction, and in February 1993, Kerubino Kuanyin Bol formed a third rebel faction. On 5 April 1993, the three dissident rebel factions announced a coalition of their groups called SPLA United at a press conference in Nairobi , Kenya . During 1990 and 1991,

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1386-485: The SPLA and a number of Sudanese political parties met in Ethiopia and agreed to the " Koka Dam " declaration, which called for abolishing Islamic Sharia law and convening a constitutional conference. In 1988, the SPLA and the DUP agreed on a peace plan calling for the abolition of military pacts with Egypt and Libya , freezing of Sharia law, an end to the state of emergency, and a cease-fire. However, during this period

1449-535: The Second Sudanese Civil War. In May of 1983, the 1st Division's 105th Battalion in the Sudanese military mutinied in the towns of Bor, South Sudan and Pibor . Government soldiers moved to suppress the mutiny but were repulsed by the rebels. The Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) was founded in 1983 as a rebel group , to reestablish an autonomous southern Sudan by fighting against

1512-714: The State was the Governor, who was elected. The Governor was appointing ministers, advisors, and the Executive Directors to the Counties. The Counties in turn, were ruled by the democratically elected Local Government Councils headed by the County Commissioner The state legislature was elected, with the first elections being held in April 2010. Eastern Equatoria, like other states in South Sudan,

1575-504: The Sudanese government supported Saddam Hussein in the Gulf War . This changed American attitudes toward the country. Bill Clinton 's administration prohibited American investment in the country and supplied money to neighbouring countries to repel Sudanese incursions. The US also began attempts to "isolate" Sudan and began referring to it as a rogue state . Since 1993, the leaders of Eritrea , Ethiopia, Uganda , and Kenya have pursued

1638-461: The central government expanding and dominating peoples of the periphery, raising allegations of marginalization . Kingdoms and great powers based along the Nile River have fought against the people of inland Sudan for centuries. Since at least the 18th century, central governments have attempted to regulate and exploit the undeveloped southern and inland regions of Sudan. Some sources describe

1701-469: The central government. While based in southern Sudan, it identified itself as a movement for all oppressed Sudanese citizens, and was led by John Garang . Initially, the SPLA campaigned for a united Sudan, criticizing the central government for policies that were leading to national "disintegration". In September 1985 the Government of Sudan announced the end of the state of emergency and dismantled

1764-925: The civil war ended, Lobong was appointed Chief of the National Intelligence and Security Service for the Southern Sector of South Sudan. He was the SPLM State Chairman for Eastern Equatoria. In 2005 he was a candidate for governorship of Eastern Equatoria State, but Aloisio Emor Ojetuk was elected. It was said that Lobong failed to gain support for his candidacy from the chiefs in the State Conference in Chukudum in June 2005 due to dissatisfaction over his failure to prevent Toposa of Namorunyang from raiding and destabilizing

1827-510: The conflict as an ethnoreligious one where the Arab - Muslim central government's pursuits to impose Sharia law in 1983 on non-Muslim southerners led to violence, and eventually to the civil war. Douglas Johnson has pointed to exploitative governance as the root cause. When the British governed Sudan as a colony they administered the northern and southern provinces separately. The south

1890-547: The conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo . By 1997, seven groups in the government camp, led by former Garang lieutenant Riek Machar , signed the Khartoum Peace Agreement with the NIF, thereby forming the largely symbolic South Sudan Defence Forces (SSDF) umbrella. Furthermore, the government signed the Nuba Mountains , and Fashoda agreements with rebel factions. These included

1953-478: The county commissioner. He said that he would discuss adding more counties with the President. Each of the 16 new counties would be more ethnically homogeneous. This runs counter to recommendations of a report issued in 2010 to which Lobong's Southern Sudan Peace Commission contributed. The report found that decentralization and division of administrations along ethnic lines could be aggravating tensions. During

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2016-702: The edge of the Sahara desert, which is unsuitable for agricultural development. Oil revenues make up about 70% of Sudan's export earnings. Due to the numerous tributaries of the Nile river and heavier precipitation in the south of Sudan, it has superior water access and more fertile land. There has also been a significant amount of death from warring tribes in the south. Most of the conflict has been between Nuer and Dinka but other ethnic groups have also been involved. These tribal conflicts continued after South Sudanese independence. The first civil war ended in 1972, with

2079-402: The emergency courts but soon promulgated a new judiciary act, which continued many of the practices of the emergency courts. Despite Nimeiry's public assurances that the rights of non-Muslims would be respected, southerners and other non-Muslims remained deeply suspicious. On 6 April 1985, senior military officers led by General Abdel Rahman Swar al-Dahab mounted a coup. Among the first acts of

2142-502: The government could direct its budget to unfunded areas. In May 2011 Lobong announced that it would be illegal to carry arms in public places, and that this ban applied even to off-duty security personnel such as soldiers and policemen. That month Lobong said that he would consult with President Salva Kiir Mayardit about solving to a dispute between the Lopit and Pari communities of Lafon-Lopa County over which community should supply

2205-471: The government. In March 1991, a new penal code, the Criminal Act of 1991 , instituted harsh punishments nationwide, including amputations and stoning . Although the southern states were officially exempt from these Islamic prohibitions and penalties, the 1991 act provided for a possible future application of Islamic Sharia law in the south. In 1993, the government transferred most non-Muslim judges from

2268-426: The great contribution that women had made during the civil war and subsequent struggle leading up to the referendum, and called on them to help build peaceful ties between the different ethnic groups in the state. In March 2011 Lobong said that claims that rebels loyal to George Athor had invaded Eastern Equatoria from Jonglei State were untrue. He said that Athor was using scare tactics to gain publicity, and said

2331-553: The independence of South Sudan 6 years after the war ended. Roughly two million people died as a result of war, famine and disease caused by the conflict. Four million people in southern Sudan were displaced at least once, normally repeatedly during the war. The civilian death toll is one of the highest of any war since World War II and was marked by numerous human rights violations , including slavery and mass killings . Wars in Sudan are often characterized as fights between

2394-579: The infamous "White House" – the Giada barracks in Juba – alone. At the same time, the SPLA ruthlessly crushed all internal and external opposition as far as possible, including other rebel factions such as the Anyanya II insurgents and critics in its own ranks. Garang became infamous for his authoritarian leadership style, and ordered the torture and execution of several dissenting SPLA commanders. Over time,

2457-478: The joint initiative because it neglected to address issues of the relationship between religion and the state and failed to mention the right of self-determination. Some critics viewed it as more aimed at a resolution among northern political parties and protecting the perceived security interests of Egypt over the unity of Sudan. Peace talks between the southern rebels and the government made substantial progress in 2003 and early 2004, although skirmishes in parts of

2520-587: The most damage is the agriculture sector. The conflict forced many farmers to escape the violence and abandon their farmland. Agriculture projects that were meant to improve cultivation methods, some that were funded by the United Nations , were terminated because they were destroyed or people stopped working; such projects include a pump-irrigation system. Additionally, the "animal wealth" of the farmers significantly decreased. Over six million cows , two million sheep , and one million goats were killed during

2583-463: The new government was to suspend the 1983 constitution, rescind the decree declaring Sudan's intent to become an Islamic state, and disband Nimeiry's Sudanese Socialist Union . However, the " September laws " instituting Islamic Sharia law were not suspended. A 15-member transitional military council was named, chaired by al-Dahab, in 1985. In consultation with an informal conference of political parties, unions, and professional organizations—known as

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2646-536: The oil fields meant significant economic benefit to whoever controlled them. Islamic fundamentalists in the north had been discontented with the Addis Ababa Agreement, which gave relative autonomy to the non-Islamic majority Southern Sudan Autonomous Region . The fundamentalists continued to grow in power, and in 1983 President Nimeiry declared all of Sudan an Islamic state , terminating the Southern Sudan Autonomous Region and starting

2709-809: The only ones most southern people could still rely on. In this way, groups like the Nuer White Army and Dinka Titweng ("cattle guard") militias came into existence. Even though they were originally intended to just defend civilian communities, they often became brutal gangs which targeted civilians of other ethnicities. The government and rebel groups exploited these tensions and self-defense groups, using them to destabilize their enemies. The Sudanese Armed Forces became infamous for brutally suppressing all civil dissidents. People suspected of disloyalty or rebel sympathies were arrested and taken to prisons and barracks, where they were tortured and executed. Hundreds, perhaps even thousands of people were murdered at

2772-472: The people of Greater Equatoria were loyal to the democratic Government of South Sudan. In April 2011 Lobong said that at least six hundred thousand people were starving in Eastern Equatoria state due to a poor harvest in 2010. He called on NGOs to supply food and seed to the affected communities. He also asked NGOs to declare their budgets and objectives. This was needed to prevent corruption and so

2835-480: The region. Historically, disputes in Sudan have been over fertile land and water. Oil became a point of dispute following its discovery in Sudan. However, despite the availability of oil, Sudan experiences the paradox of the plenty , a phenomenon that occurs when a country has plentiful natural resources—in this case, oil—but struggles to fully compete economically. Because of displacement, refugees who fled their destroyed homes cut down forests to survive. They used

2898-558: The right of self-determination for the south. The Sudanese Government did not sign the DOP until 1997 after major battlefield losses to the SPLA. In 1995, the opposition in the north united with parties from the south to create a coalition of opposition parties called the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). This development opened a northeastern front to the civil war, making it a Sudan wide conflict rather than simply

2961-564: The same year, only 35 percent of the teachers in South Sudan had a primary-level of education. An additional obstacles students face is the forced recruitment into armed militias and state military. According to a United Nations report, 50 percent of South Sudanese children do not attend school. Boys and girls, who are in schools, are abducted by soldiers and forced to join the military or armed rebel groups. When they are taken, most girls are raped by their captors and those who resist are killed. Boys are "castrated and sexually mutilated". According to

3024-467: The second civil war intensified in lethality, and the national economy continued to deteriorate. When prices of basic goods were increased in 1988, riots ensued, and the price increases were cancelled. When Prime Minister Sadiq al-Mahdi refused to approve a peace plan reached by the DUP and the SPLA in November 1988, the DUP left the government. The new government consisted essentially of the Umma Party and

3087-576: The south and the right of self-determination. Nevertheless, the SPLA made major advances in 1997 due to the success of Operation Thunderbolt , an offensive during which the southern Sudanese separatists seized most of Central and Western Equatoria from the government. In July 2000, the Libyan/Egyptian Joint Initiative on the Sudan called for the establishment of an interim government, power-sharing, constitutional reform, and new elections. Southern critics objected to

3150-424: The south continued. A Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed on 9 January 2005 in Nairobi . The terms of the peace treaty were: The status of three central and eastern provinces was a point of contention in the negotiations. According to the SPLA, about 2 million people had died in southern Sudan alone due to the war. The Second Sudanese Civil War destroyed many sectors of economic activity. The sector with

3213-412: The south to the north, replacing them with Muslim judges in the south. The introduction of Public Order Police to enforce Sharia law resulted in the arrest, and treatment under Sharia penalties, of southerners and other non-Muslims living in the north. The Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) was in control of large areas of Equatoria , Bahr al Ghazal , and Upper Nile provinces and also operated in

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3276-521: The southern portions of Darfur , Kordofan , and Blue Nile provinces. The government controlled a number of the major southern towns and cities, including Juba , Wau , and Malakal . An informal cease-fire in May broke down in October 1989. In July 1992, a government offensive seized many parts of southern Sudan, and captured the SPLA headquarters in Torit . Both the government regular armed forces and

3339-525: The state and to promote peace between the different communities. On 9 June 2010 he appointed his cabinet of state ministers, and also named the Commissioners for the eight counties of the state. After the successful referendum in January 2011 in which 99.95% of votes were for south Sudan secession, Lobong was visited by a delegation of women from all eight counties of Eastern Equatoria. He recognized

3402-602: The transitional period in the 1950s. In the post-colonial government of 1953, the Sudanization Committee had only six southerners in its 800 senior administrative positions. The second war was partially about natural resources. Between the north and the south lie significant oil fields and thus significant foreign interests (the oil revenue is privatized to Western interests as in Nigeria ). The northerners wanted to control these resources because they live on

3465-522: The war. A different sector that was affected by the conflict was the industrial sector , which consists of manufacturing and processing. Manufacturing facilities were unable to produce essential materials, including soap , textiles , sugar , and processed foods . Processed-foods facilities include the preservation of foods , such as canning fruits and vegetables, and vegetable oil production. Poverty continued to climb and significantly impacted people in rural areas. The destroyed agriculture sector

3528-643: Was a conflict from 1983 to 2005 between the central Sudanese government and the Sudan People's Liberation Army . It was largely a continuation of the First Sudanese Civil War of 1955 to 1972. Although it originated in southern Sudan, the civil war spread to the Nuba mountains and the Blue Nile . It lasted for almost 22 years and is one of the longest civil wars on record. The war resulted in

3591-638: Was divided into Budi County and Kapoeta county, which in turn was divided into Kapoeta North, South and East counties. Counties as of 2020 were: As of 2014, this was one of the last areas in the world where cases of Guinea worm disease are found, with twelve of the 17 reported cases occurring "in one small pocket of Eastern Equatoria State," according to NPR . Eastern Equatoria is the most mountainous state in South Sudan. People entirely depend on agriculture and livestock keeping. Whenever there's climate change, people in those areas are least likely to be affected. Louis Lobong Lojore Louis Lobong Lojore

3654-419: Was held to be more similar to the other east-African colonies – Kenya , Tanganyika , and Uganda – while northern Sudan was more similar to Arabic -speaking Egypt . Northern Arabs were prevented from holding positions of power in the south with its African traditions, and trade was discouraged between the two areas. However, in 1946, the British gave in to northern pressure to integrate the two areas. Arabic

3717-553: Was home to several different ethnic groups. The Toposa , Jiye/Jie and Nyangathom live in the Kapeota counties in the east of the state. The Didinga , Dodoth and Boya live in Budi county around Chukudum. Further west, Lopa, Torit and Ikwoto counties are inhabited by the Ketebo , Otuho , Mokoyi Lopit , Lango , Pari , and Tenet people who inhabit a portion of the lopit hills after they split from Didinga and Murle early in

3780-568: Was made the language of administration in the south, and northerners began to hold positions there. The southern elite, trained in English , resented the change as they were kept out of government. After decolonization most power was given to the northern elites based in Khartoum , causing unrest in the south. The British moved towards granting Sudan independence, but did not invite southern Sudanese leaders to participate in negotiations during

3843-438: Was reduced and reallocated to military and security forces. Sudan's military spending increased from 10 percent to 20 percent, while reducing education spending and other areas. Following the war, education was less likely to be funded, less educators were available due to death or injury, and education facilities were destroyed. As of 2015 42 percent of South Sudan's budget is allocated to military and security expenditures. In

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3906-492: Was sub-divided into counties. These were further divided into Payams, then Bomas. Each county was headed by a County Commissioner, elected by the people of a County as the head of the local government in the County. Counties were originally larger, but were subdivided in part to ensure that the different communities have full representation. Thus Torit County was subdivided into Torit, Lopa and Ikwotos counties, and Greater Kapoeta

3969-545: Was the primary source of income for about 8 out of 10 households. Living in a rural region is also associated with a lower quality of life because residents lack access to basic services and economic opportunities and job opportunities. Before the war, Sudan did not have a comprehensive infrastructure system. It lacked roads, bridges, and communications, and led to the existing infrastructure being destroyed. Critical infrastructure, like waterways and canals, were destroyed by airstrikes . When Sudan entered war, education funding

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