Lodira, who also chairs the state SPLM-IO branch, has been in London receiving medical treatment since December. Her office was abruptly closed and her car confiscated at her residence, according to Visor Likale Olum, SPLM-IO youth league chair and member of the state assembly.
The SPLM-IO believes the move is retaliation for Lodira’s recent letter rejecting the appointment of Peacebuilding Minister Stephen Par Kuol as interim SPLM-IO leader. This appointment was endorsed by some SPLM-IO members on April 9 after First Vice President Riek Machar—Lodira’s ally—was placed under house arrest in Juba on March 26.
“This is a clear intimidation tactic,” said Olum. “We stand with Dr. Riek Machar and Acting Chairperson Oyet Nathaniel. No one will force us to accept what we don’t believe in.”
Governor of Eastern Equatoria state Louis Lobong Lojore
Governor Louis Lobong Lojore and State Information Minister Elia John Ahaji have declined to comment. Lobong is a senior member of the ruling SPLM party under President Salva Kiir.
Civil society voices have condemned the closure as a violation of the 2018 peace agreement. “Instead of focusing on peace implementation, leaders are wasting time on internal power struggles,” said Wodcan Lazarus Saviour of SPIDO.
He urged citizens to remain peaceful and prioritize survival amid ongoing economic hardship.
