A Rally for Harmony
On Friday, Eastern Equatoria’s governor Louis Lobong Lojore addressed hundreds in Magwi, framing the gathering as a “peace and security rally” designed to repair strained relations between uniformed services and residents (Eye Radio).
He opened with a reminder that national stability begins at local level, adding that Magwi can “set the tone for the entire state” if cooperation replaces suspicion.
Defining Security Roles
“Criminal suspects should be handled by the police. Soldiers have no role in arrests,” Lobong insisted, drawing a clear line between defence duties and civil law enforcement.
He urged intelligence officers to shift from intimidation toward information that protects livelihoods. Local commanders were told to translate the directive into daily protocol immediately.
Addressing Allegations
Responding to reports of arbitrary roadblocks and beatings of youth, the governor publicly condemned any excessive force and demanded prompt investigations with transparent outcomes.
He said restoring trust requires security agents to “act as protectors, not predators,” a phrase that drew applause from community elders gathered under mango trees.
Saluting Community Strength
Lobong praised farmers, teachers and faith leaders for helping feed Torit and Juba while keeping classrooms open during lean months. He argued that such civic resilience deserves equal commitment from armed actors.
He also welcomed the decision by former SPLM-IO combatants to return home and encouraged refugees crossing from Uganda to rejoin village life without fear of harassment.
Shared Future Agenda
Concluding the rally, the governor urged residents and security personnel alike to unite “as sons and daughters of Eastern Equatoria” and focus collective energy on battling hunger and underdevelopment.
Observers noted that the speech balanced admonition with optimism, leaving Magwi to test whether policy statements can translate into calmer checkpoints and sturdier harvests.