Governor Lobong speaks to residents in Kesengor during a visit to the disputed area. Photo: Office of the Governor - EES.

The Governor of Eastern Equatoria State has installed a new Chief Administrator for Kessengor during a visit to the disputed area following the killing of the caretaker commissioner of Kapoeta East County in June.

Stephen Lowosio Lomongin was killed by unidentified gunmen while visiting the disputed area, which the Greater Pibor Administrative Area claims is part of Jebel Boma.

However, Eastern Equatoria State disputes the claim, saying the area is part of Lopet Payam.

In a statement issued by his office on Saturday, Governor Louis Lobong Lojore introduced a new Chief Administrator Natabo Abraham Nyitak to oversee the administration of the area.

While addressing residents in Kessengor, Governor Lobong called on communities to strengthen peaceful coexistence with neighbouring groups, saying peace and unity are important for stability and development.

He also encouraged residents to use the ongoing rainy season for farming to improve food security and household livelihoods.

The governor further urged communities to end revenge killings and cattle raiding, especially following recent incidents involving the Jie and Mogos communities.

Kesengor has become the centre of a territorial dispute between Eastern Equatoria State and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area, with competing claims over the area increasing tensions in recent months.

The identity and motive of those behind the killing of the caretaker commissioner remain unknown.

The killing sparked condemnations from lawmakers representing Greater Pibor and Eastern Equatoria State.

However, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Michael Makuei, warned members of parliament against debating the killing of the Kapoeta East caretaker commissioner, saying the matter is under investigation by security agencies.