27/04/2025
: My personal opinion on the categorisation of Nuer Counties from Friendly to Hostile
By Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth
April 27, 2025
Many people have been calling and texting me, asking about my position on the recent statement made by Hon. Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, on April 26, 2025, in which he described 16 Nuer counties as either “friendly” or “hostile.”
Here is my response: All 79 counties in the Republic of South Sudan are friendly and belong to the Government of the Republic of South Sudan under the leadership of His Excellency Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic. These counties are all equal in the eyes of the Government.
It is important to understand that individuals within these counties who may be opposing the government—whether violently or non-violently—do not represent the entire county. The actions or positions of a few individuals cannot be used to generalize or label entire counties as either hostile or friendly. These are our people, and they are part of the nation. The government is here to serve all its citizens equally.
The statement made by Hon. Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro was not an official position endorsed by the Cabinet in a Council of Ministers meeting. It should, therefore, not be taken as government policy. I believe he will clarify his statement in due time. In my view, it should be treated as his personal opinion. Mistakes are human in my view.
To my Nuer people and to all South Sudanese: I appeal to you to work towards unity and the rebuilding of our country. Let us stop tearing each other apart and instead focus on reconciliation, peace, and development.
May God bless and guide all the 64 tribes of this beautiful nation, the Republic of South Sudan.
