Report finds no evidence E. Equatoria governor has private militia

December 05, 2012 (JUBA) – An investigation into Eastern Equatoria has found no evidence that Governor Louis Lobong Lojore has been training a militia in the state.

The investigation conducted by South Sudan’s upper house – the Council of States – found that the allegations were a politically motivated hangover from elections in 2010.

John Musa, who chaired the investigation told a session of the Council of States on Wednesday that a healing process should begin to reconcile Governor Lojore and Michael Losike, the MP who first made the allegation.

“We never found any evidence that militia are being trained in Eastern Equatoria state,” Musa told the members of the Council of State reading from a prepared script.

A session to deliberate on the committee’s findings has been slated for Monday 10 December.

Last October the Toposa ethnic group in Eastern Equatoria state condemned the allegation that Governor Lojore had links with militia groups operating in the state.

The South Sudan’s upper house – the Council of States decided last October investigate the issue and summon the governor following accusations presented by MP Michael Losike Lokerui who hails from the Toposa ethnic group, like the governor himself.

During the hearing, Governor Lobong denied the allegation but the Council of States resolved to form a committee to further investigate into the charges.

(ST)