In a press statement released Tuesday, the governor said the attacks began at around 5:00 AM when armed SPLA-IO elements stormed Torit Town and targeted the Torit Military Hospital. At the same time, another group advancing from Enyif allegedly opened fire on the official vehicle of the Torit County Commissioner and claimed the life of the Police Captain.
Tuesday’s violence followed a November 17 ambush on a passenger vehicle travelling from Kapoeta to Napotpot, in which one civilian was wounded.
Governor Lobong said these incidents fit a broader pattern of continued hostilities by SPLA-IO forces across Eastern Equatoria.
He cited recurring road ambushes along the Kapoeta–Torit, Torit–Magwi, and Torit–Juba highways, where civilians have been killed, property looted, and children abducted.
Lobong also referenced a deadly May 2025 attack on an SSPDF outpost in Enyif and a September 25 raid on the National Security Office in Kapoeta.
The governor said the state government has long encouraged peaceful coexistence between government forces and SPLA-IO units in line with the Revitalised Peace Agreement, stressing that this approach has always been taken to protect civilians. However, he warned that the latest assaults crossed a critical threshold.
“These latest assaults amount to a declaration of war against the Government and the peace-loving people of Eastern Equatoria State,” he said in the statement, calling the attacks “barbaric acts committed by enemies of peace.”
The governor urged residents to stay vigilant and avoid providing support or shelter to armed elements engaged in violence. He also directed the SSPDF and other organised forces to take necessary measures to defend civilians, safeguard property and uphold the peace and sovereignty of South Sudan.
The attacks come just a day after Lobong raised concerns about SPLA-IO troop movements from Nasir in Upper Nile into Eastern Equatoria.
He noted that the group already maintains a cantonment site in the state and that their presence, in itself, does not violate the peace agreement. However, he emphasised that their continued stay depends entirely on their commitment to peaceful behaviour.
Local communities have recently accused SPLA-IO forces of intimidation, including allegations of forced food contributions and illegal taxation of traders moving goods to markets. Lobong described such actions as unacceptable and urged the group to halt any activities that undermine the safety of civilians.
Speaking during a church service on Sunday at Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Torit, the governor said, there were indications that SPLA-IO elements might be mobilising to attack Torit. While the reports were unverified at the time, he warned the opposition group against any attempt to destabilise Eastern Equatoria.
Governor Lobong reaffirmed that his administration remains committed to protecting citizens and engaging in dialogue with peaceful armed groups to restore stability and ensure lasting peace across the state.
