03/09/2026
Governor Lobong Warns of Looming Hunger Crisis as Prolonged Dry Spell Ravages Eastern Equatoria
Kaopeta South, Eastern Equatoria State | 3 September 2026 — Governor Louis Lobong Lojore has raised an urgent alarm over a prolonged dry spell across Eastern Equatoria State, warning of a looming hunger and water crisis as crops wither, rivers dry up, livestock migrate, and traditional sources of livelihood collapse.
Speaking during a visit to a sorghum farm in Kapoeta South county, Governor Lobong said the situation was alarming in an area that has traditionally been one of Greater Kapoeta’s important food-producing zones.
“when I went to Ngauro which used to be a green place for Greater Kapoeta. What I found there was shocking. The Singaita River has dried up, water sources from the Didinga Mountains are disappearing, and now here in Kapoeta South the sorghum in this entire farm has completely withered,” the Governor said.
Governor Lobong said the failure of this year’s agricultural season is likely to have serious consequences for food security across Eastern Equatoria, warning that communities are already struggling to access food and water.
He appealed to the National Government, development partners, humanitarian agencies and the international community to urgently scale up assistance, not only through food supplies, but also through water provision, livestock support and livelihood interventions.
The prolonged drought has also disrupted pastoral livelihoods, with livestock reportedly moving across borders and into neighbouring areas in search of pasture and water. Artisanal miners have also been affected as water sources used for mining activities dry up.
Governor Lobong further expressed concern over reports of deaths linked to hunger and extreme hardship in some communities, including reported cases of su***de in Lafon and other parts of Torit counties respectively, and called for urgent humanitarian attention.
He acknowledged that a scientific assessment of the situation is ongoing with development and humanitarian partners, but stressed that the humanitarian needs on the ground are already evident.
“We should wait for the scientific assessment, but it is already very clear that our people are hungry and they need urgent intervention,” he said.
The Governor particularly expressed concern for women, children and the elderly, who traditionally depend heavily on livestock and agricultural production for their daily food and survival.
He urged partners and the national government to treat the situation as an urgent humanitarian priority before conditions deteriorate further.
