Ajo Ony'Ohisa, a lead prosecutor in the trial of detained opposition leader Riek Machar, has announced his intention to contest for the position of governor of Eastern Equatoria State under the ruling SPLM. Ohisa declared his bid on Friday at the SPLM state secretariat in Torit, after paying a courtesy call on caretaker Governor Louis Lobong Lojore. He submitted his nomination form to the party secretariat and is seeking its endorsement through the internal selection process.
Ohisa emphasized his priorities, which include addressing food insecurity, drought, poor roads, and inadequate water supplies for livestock. He urged political leaders to focus on practical solutions rather than ethnic divisions. “Our farms are burnt, our animals do not have enough water, and our roads are damaged. What do we do to resolve these challenges? These are the issues we need to discuss, not divisions along ethnic lines,” he said.
Ohisa called on fellow SPLM aspirants to maintain mutual respect during the contest and accept the outcome of the party’s selection process. “In front of me, all of you are South Sudanese and human beings. I do not want to know your tribe. The tribe does not feed you,” he said. This message was well-received by representatives from various groups, who welcomed his bid and emphasized the need for unity and development-focused leadership.
Ohisa's agricultural investments were highlighted as an example of his practical initiatives. He owns Igele Farm in Ifwotu Payam, Torit County, where he has invested in agriculture. Odong Joseph Kamilo, representing Greater Magwi County, cited Ohisa's agricultural activities and reported road construction efforts as examples of his contributions to the state.
Representatives from various groups, including civil society organisations and other political parties, welcomed Ohisa's bid and emphasized the need for accountability and peaceful political participation. Vitale Abure Benjamin, deputy secretary-general of the Eastern Equatoria Civil Society Network, said civil society organisations would continue to advocate for citizens’ rights, accountability, and peaceful political participation.
Asis Otulo Okeleki, representing other political parties in the state, said candidates should be judged on their records and ability to address hunger, corruption, and the misuse of public resources. He called for a governor who would serve all residents regardless of political affiliation. Ohisa's declaration does not make him the SPLM's official candidate; he must first secure the party's endorsement through its internal selection process.
The trial of Riek Machar and seven co-defendants, in which Ohisa is the lead prosecutor, is ongoing. The defendants face charges including treason, murder, conspiracy, terrorism, and crimes against humanity related to violence in Nasir, Upper Nile State, in March 2025. Ohisa's decision to contest the governorship is seen as a significant development in the state's politics.
Key points
- Ajo Ony'Ohisa, lead prosecutor in Riek Machar's trial, declares intention to contest for Eastern Equatoria State governor under SPLM.
- Ohisa's priorities include addressing food insecurity, drought, poor roads, and inadequate water supplies for livestock.
- Ohisa must secure SPLM's endorsement through its internal selection process to become the official candidate.
