Parliament summons governor over alleged link to “militias” in South Sudan

October 1, 2012 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s parliament on Monday summoned the governor of Eastern Equatoria state, Louis Lobong Lojoro, over alleged connection to groups of “militias” operating in his state.

The governor, who is now in the national capital, Juba, to answer for the charges, appeared before the Council of States on Monday to defend himself against a number of charges presented before the parliament by some of the national MPs from the state.

It was alleged that a group of militias who carry out cattle raiding in the state have a link to the governor; a charge he denied before the house.

The charge is the first of its kind to involve a top official in the state government’s government since 2010 general elections when the 14-month old nation started to battle coordinated groups of rebels or militias even before it got its independence in July 2011.

Lobong was also accused of corrupt practices and illegal sale of lands to foreign investors in the state for self-benefit.

The parliament is yet to pass a resolution either to acquit him from the charges or condemn the alleged actions.

(ST)