Mundari Leaders Told to Wage War of Development, Not Conflict

(REGO PAYAM, TEREKEKA COUNTY) – A peace conference has been held in Rego Payam following the capture of a man accused of sparking violent conflict between Buranga Boma and the Lowirja and Lugwoti Kor areas.

The gathering at Rego Payam headquarters on Wednesday came after the arrest of Jelle lo Lobuyu, whom authorities blame for instigating the recent fighting.

State officials told the community that lasting peace depends on rooting out criminal elements and returning all looted property to its rightful owners.

A message from Central Equatoria State Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony was delivered by Security Advisor Hon. Angelo Daya. The Governor urged the people of Rego Payam to lay down arms and embrace unity.

He also told the community to prepare for upcoming elections and to choose a representative who will serve them well, warning residents not to take the law into their own hands. The Governor ordered that public services must function without delay.

Hon. Jacob Gore, the State Minister of Peace Building, attended alongside Hon. Angelo Daya and Terekeka County Commissioner Hon. Dr. Emmanuel Loku Lodu.

County Commissioner Dr. Loku Lodu told the gathering that he had reached out to Jelle lo Lobuyu when he first took office. He declared that the conflict would continue unless criminals were removed:

“I announce today: anyone who seeks to spoil the land of the Mundari will not succeed. Our collective outcry has led to the capture of Jelle lo Lobuyu.” 

The Commissioner shifted focus to development, urging residents to pursue education as the only weapon for the future and to wage a war of development. He told people not to live in fear as Jelle lo Lobuyu was now under arrest.

Dr. Loku Lodu acknowledged threats to his leadership from associates of the arrested man but remained firm. He warned that homes and cattle camps could be ruined without discipline.

The Commissioner reinstated a ban on alcohol consumption and ordered the arrest of anyone who violates it. He also praised cattle camp communities for uniting against crime.