Governor Louis Lobong Lojore inspects a farm in Kapoeta South County – photo credit: Office of the Governor

The Governor of Eastern Equatoria State says three people have died of hunger this week as a prolonged drought continues to devastate communities across the state.

Louis Lobong Lojore says crops are withering, water sources are drying up, and livestock are moving in search of water and pasture.

He raised the alarm during a visit to a sorghum farm in Kapoeta South County, where he said the drought has severely affected crops.

“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,” he said.

Governor Lobong warned that the failure of this year’s farming season could worsen food insecurity across Eastern Equatoria.

He called on the national government, humanitarian agencies, development partners and the international community to urgently provide food, water, livestock support and other assistance.

The drought has also affected pastoralists, with livestock moving across borders and into neighbouring areas in search of water and pasture.

Artisanal miners are also facing challenges as water sources used for mining continue to dry up.

Governor Lobong also expressed concern over reported deaths linked to hunger and hardship, including suicide cases in Lafon and parts of Torit County.

He said a scientific assessment of the drought is being conducted with humanitarian and development partners.

However, Lobong said communities need urgent assistance and cannot wait for the assessment to be completed.