South Sudan, June 12, 2026 – Authorities in Eastern Equatoria State have confirmed the killing of Kapoeta East County Commissioner Stephen Lowosio Lomongin in what officials described as a targeted ambush attack in the disputed area of Kasengor.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Eastern Equatoria State Governor Louis Lobong Lojore expressed deep sorrow over the death of the county commissioner, condemning the attack as a “barbaric, senseless and unacceptable act of violence.”
According to the state government, Lowosio was carrying out official duties aimed at promoting peace and stability among local communities before he was killed.
Officials said he had successfully facilitated dialogue and reconciliation efforts involving the communities of Mogos, Peimong and Jie, which have experienced periodic tensions in recent months.
Following the peace meetings, the commissioner travelled to Kasengor to engage with residents and assess local concerns. It was during this visit that his convoy reportedly came under a deadly ambush, resulting in his death.
The killing has sent shockwaves across Eastern Equatoria State and raised fears of further instability in an area already affected by territorial disputes and security challenges.
State authorities noted that tensions have recently intensified in Kasengor following allegations that leaders from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area entered the territory without authorization and made claims over the area.
The developments have heightened concerns among local leaders and residents, who fear that disagreements over administrative boundaries could trigger renewed conflict.
Governor Lobong urged residents to remain calm and avoid retaliatory actions that could worsen the security situation.
“I call upon the people of Kapoeta East County and the entire population of Eastern Equatoria State to remain calm, exercise restraint, and refrain from taking the law into their own hands,” the governor said.
He also appealed to communities across the state to ensure the safety of members of the Murle community and warned against any form of ethnic retaliation following the incident.
Authorities said security agencies have been deployed to the area and investigations are underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Officials pledged that those responsible would be identified and held accountable through a thorough and impartial investigation.
The government said it remains committed to maintaining peace and security in the state despite the loss of one of its senior local administrators.
The killing of Commissioner Lowosio comes at a time when concerns over insecurity and intercommunal tensions continue to challenge peacebuilding efforts in several parts of South Sudan.
Authorities say they are closely monitoring the situation in Kasengor and surrounding areas as investigations continue.
