During a recent government briefing on April 26, Lomuro classified nine out of sixteen counties inhabited by the Nuer community as “hostile” to the government, while calling the remaining seven “friendly.” The comment triggered widespread outrage and calls for his resignation from Nuer youth and parliamentarians.
Despite this, the SPLM-IO — the main opposition party, led by First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and home to many senior Nuer leaders — dismissed the criticism as “lacking common sense.”
Speaking from exile, SPLM-IO Deputy Chairman Oyet Nathaniel Pierino defended Lomuro, saying the minister was merely delivering a message shaped by state policy.
“Killing the messenger doesn’t solve the problem. Martin Elia is an agent of state policy,” Oyet wrote on Facebook.
“He didn’t command troops in the 16 counties. If you want change, aim for the system, not the speaker.”
Oyet, also the First Deputy Speaker of the Reconstituted National Legislative Assembly, added:
“He has simply spoken out the fact from the operation room. Do not spear the shadow, spear the elephant.”
Lomuro has not yet responded to the growing public backlash. However, Youth and Sports Minister Joseph Geng Akech attempted to clarify the remarks on Monday, saying they referred to “organized groups” that had attacked military barracks — not the Nuer community as a whole.
Still, many Nuer leaders insist the statement is inflammatory and divisive, with several calling on President Salva Kiir to relieve Lomuro of his duties.
