Governor Lobong appeals for aid as dry spell worsen crisis

Eastern Equatoria Governor Louis Lobong Lojore is calling for urgent humanitarian assistance as a prolonged dry spell leaves communities facing shortages of food and water and livestock struggling to find pasture.

Governor Lobong made the appeal after leading a state delegation to meet Humanitarian Affairs Minister Albino Akol Atak Mayom in Juba on Tuesday.

He said many pastoral communities have already crossed into Ethiopia, while others have moved to neighbouring counties in Greater Torit in search of water and pasture.

The governor warned that continued movement could increase tensions between displaced herders and host communities.

The state delegation is appealing to humanitarian partners to provide food, water and livestock support to affected communities.

Minister Albino Akol acknowledged the severity of the situation, saying Eastern Equatoria is currently the state hardest hit by the natural disaster.

He said a humanitarian assessment team is expected to travel to the state by Wednesday, with Lafon identified as the first area to be assessed.

The minister also commended measures taken by the state government to improve access to food, including reducing taxes on food commodities and providing free storage facilities to suppliers.

Meanwhile, the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission is calling for the protection and safe movement of humanitarian organizations to enable them to reach communities most in need.