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THE KAPOETA GOLD CONTROVERSY: Gov. Lobong in the Spotlight Again.

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A system that bypasses the voice of the people normally encounters tough resistance ahead of its journey.

By: Abunerry, Ayella

September 27, 2025

Torit. 

In the recent past, I have been calling on the youth to know that Eastern Equatoria under Gov. Lobong will never move forward due to his malicious abuse of offices and looting of resources. There are numerous reasons to defend such claims.

On 25 September, Kapoeta woke to an unusual war that led to a heavy loss of lives and injuries, as submitted by the state authority. Many groups claimed responsibility for the attack. Among those groups is the Patriotic Toposa Youth (PTY). Whichever group claimed the attack, I credit the Patriotic Toposa Youth at the moment, whether true or not.

We should not ignore the suffering of EES (particularly the Toposas) in a daylight scheme given the rich gold mine project currently underway. In one of my articles dated 20.9.2025, I asked, “Where are the proceeds from the gold mine going?” The PTY has answered it plainly. In their press statement, Gov. Lobong is the main beneficiary of the rich gold mine in Kapoeta, identifying the following.

1.       Gov. Lobong manages Kapoeta as a private estate with his relatives in the lead.

2.       The proceeds from the gold mine serve Lobong and his relatives only.

3.       Gov. Lobong alone negotiates and manages all investment contracts on behalf of the Toposa, defying transparency and accountability.

4.       The governor installs relatives as secret agents to bring down his critics, many disappearing in his hands.

5.       Gov. Lobong develops a racketeering enterprise supervised by his Juba patrons for political patronage and rent seeking.

It is self-evident that whatever happens, when the youth takes up arms against a leader, no one should underestimate or underrate it. A system that bypasses the voice of the people normally encounters tough resistance ahead of its journey. That is why the PTY has spoken.

For peace to prevail, Gov. Lobong must immediately call for dialogue with the youth and listen to their grievances without ignoring their demands. In addition, if it requires stepping down as a demand, he should submit without hesitation.

Not only with the youth in Kapoeta, but also Gov. Lobong should know that the whole state is boiling above the maximum temperature, where everyone is ready to resist his leadership. In the last 15 years, he has been sitting on the heads of the people as a king, but now time is running out for him. He needs to come down and explain why roads, hospitals and schools have become secondary rights when they are actually basic rights at the expense of the rich gold mine in Kapoeta and the wealthy Nimule and Nadapal customs.

Finally, Gov. Lobong should stop mobilizing the poorly ailing youth voluntarily to join him in taking pictures, claiming there is no money for road constructions. We have resources that can attract investors to benefit all through returns. I kindly urge Gov. Lobong to move away from his comfort zone and join us in the path of transparency and accountability to the public to win the people's trust.

END.


 

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