 to Kasengor Boma in Lopet-Jie Payam of Kapoeta East County, accusing them of making territorial claims over the area.){kind=link}
By Paride Wani Moses
The Government of Eastern Equatoria State has condemned what it describes as an unauthorized visit by officials from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) to Kasengor Boma in Lopet-Jie Payam of Kapoeta East County, accusing them of making territorial claims over the area.
In a press statement issued on Monday, Eastern Equatoria State Minister of Information and Communication, Hon. Elia John Ahaji, said the GPAA leadership entered the area and allegedly claimed it as part of Boma County.
“The government of Eastern Equatorial State strongly condemns, in the strongest terms, the recent visit and illegal entry by the leadership of Greater Pibor Administrative Area into Kasengor-Boma of Jie-Lopiet-Payam of Kapota East County, where they unilaterally claim that the area is one of the Payams belonging to Bomba County. This action was not only misleading, illegal, but a clear, deliberate violation of the Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan, which recognizes the existence of ten states and three administrative areas, with clear administrative boundaries, which the chief administrator and the other political leaders of greater people are constitutionally bound to protect and respect those boundaries.”
The state government described the alleged action as unconstitutional and a violation of recognized administrative boundaries. Officials warned that such incidents could jeopardize efforts to maintain peace and cooperation between communities in Eastern Equatoria State and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area.
“Such provocative behavior undermines the peace that both administration of Greater Pibor and Eastern Equatorial State have worked hard to build overtime for the peaceful coexistence of our people. The government of Eastern Equatorial State therefore urged authorities and politicians of Greater Pibor administrative area to immediately refrain from such actions and to commit themselves to respecting territorial integrity of Eastern Equatoria.”
The statement also addressed the killing of Mr. Mark Nabeyo, the Eastern Equatoria State Coordinator for the Guinea Worm Eradication Program, who was shot dead along the Torit–Loronyo Road while carrying out official duties on June 3, 2026.
According to the state government, evidence recovered from the scene allegedly points to suspects believed to have come from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area. Authorities have called for a comprehensive investigation into the killing.
“The government of Eastern Equatorial State also condemned the barbaric killing of Mr. Mark Nabeyo, a state coordinator of Guinea Worm Eradication Program in Eastern Equatorial State, who was killed along Torit-Loronyo Road on 3 June 2026 on official duty by Murle criminals from Greater Pibora Administrative Area. This is based on material evidence recovered by the Loronyo youths, as well as the other indicators, including trace footmarks pointing toward greater Pibor administrative areas. Eastern Equatorial state government extends its deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Nabeyo and to the affected people of Eastern Equatoria. Government of Eastern Equatoria also appealed to the Government of Greater Pibor Administrative Area to investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure that all those responsible for these heinous acts are identified to face the law.”
The Eastern Equatoria State Government extended its condolences to the family of the late Mark Nabeyo and reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing justice for those affected by the incident. It also called on authorities in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area to cooperate in investigations and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
Radio Emmanuel made several attempts to obtain a response from officials of the Greater Pibor Administrative Area regarding the allegations. However, no comment had been received by the time this report was filed.