Nuer Political Backlash: Cabinet Affairs Minister Faces Resignation Calls After “Hostile vs. Friendly” Remark

Juba, South Sudan | May 2025

Nuer political backlash erupted after Cabinet Affairs Minister Dr Martin Elia Lomuro branded several Nuer-inhabited counties “hostile” during a 26 April press briefing. What began as a routine update has become the most serious ethnic controversy since the 2018 revitalized peace deal.

Table of Contents

1. What Triggered the Outrage?
2. Nuer Leadership Peace Forum Responds
3. SPLM Lawmakers Turn Up the Heat
4. Demands: Resignation, Retraction & Legal Action
5. Government’s Clarification Attempt
6. Historic Role of the Nuer in Liberation
7. Implications for National Stability
8. Way Forward: Healing Through Inclusive Dialogue

1. What Triggered the Outrage?

During an Eye Radio–covered press conference, Dr Lomuro categorised nine Nuer counties as “hostile” to government and seven as “friendly.” Critics say the terminology revives wartime language that once inflamed violence across Upper Nile and Jonglei.

2. Nuer Leadership Peace Forum Responds

A joint communiqué signed by Labour Minister James Hoth Mai, former Interior Minister Michael Chiangjiek, Dr John Jooyul, Hassen Deng Gatpan and Wiu Kuon condemned the remark as “derogatory and inflammatory,” warning that ethnic profiling violates the nation’s constitution.

3. SPLM Lawmakers Turn Up the Heat

Nuer Members of Parliament in the Reconstituted Transitional Legislative Assembly echoed the outrage, stressing that community labelling threatens the fragile unity government painstakingly built since 2020.

4. Demands: Resignation, Retraction & Legal Action

• Immediate dismissal from the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and all peace-oversight roles.
• Public apology and full withdrawal of the “hostile vs. friendly” categorisation.
• Pursuit of legal remedy if corrective measures are not enacted within 14 days.

5. Government’s Clarification Attempt

Youth and Sports Minister Dr Joseph Geng Akech later claimed Lomuro’s reference was aimed only at “organised armed groups,” not the wider Nuer populace, and pointed to the reconciliation chapter of the peace agreement as the mechanism to address local militias.

6. Historic Role of the Nuer in Liberation

Critics argue the remark erases the Nuer’s pivotal role in the liberation struggle—from the Fangak 1993 defence to frontline leadership by Generals James Hoth Mai and Peter Gadet. Their contributions remain central to South Sudan’s independence narrative.

7. Implications for National Stability

The controversy surfaces as elections approach and security-sector reforms remain unfinished. Analysts warn that polarising language from senior officials could erode public trust and destabilise regions already grappling with communal conflicts.

8. Way Forward: Healing Through Inclusive Dialogue

Church leaders and civil-society groups propose a televised town-hall meeting where Lomuro addresses grievances directly with Nuer elders. Advocates say transparent dialogue can reaffirm that no community is inherently “hostile” or “friendly” but equally South Sudanese.

Conclusion

The Nuer political backlash against Dr Martin Elia Lomuro illustrates the enduring sensitivity of ethnic rhetoric in South Sudan. Whether through resignation, apology or constructive dialogue, the outcome will test the nation’s commitment to inclusive governance and lasting peace.

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Scale of the Outbreak

State Health Minister Dr Francis Michael Hassan reports 700 cumulative cases and 15 deaths. Wau Central Prison alone has 68 suspected infections, four laboratory-confirmed cases and two inmate fatalities.

“Time is our greatest enemy. Every hour we delay treatment or vaccination, we risk another life.”
— Dr Francis Michael Hassan, Minister of Health, Western Bahr el Ghazal

Prison-First Vaccination Drive

The prison tops the priority list “because overcrowding and poor sanitation accelerate transmission,” Dr Hassan said while launching an emergency campaign to vaccinate all 1,200 inmates and staff within 72 hours.

County Hotspots

• Jur River County: 500 confirmed cases — current epicentre.
• Wau Town: 94 cases, including two paediatric deaths.
• Wau Central Prison: 68 suspected, 4 confirmed, 2 deaths.

Rapid Response Measures

Symptoms first appeared in the prison on 19–20 April. Within 48 hours, a state rapid-response team deployed rehydration supplies, chlorine tablets and dedicated case-management staff.

Cholera Nationwide

By late April, South Sudan had logged an estimated 51,000 confirmed cholera cases and more than 900 deaths. Western Bahr el Ghazal’s surge signals a dangerous westward spread if urgent containment falters.

Protecting Your Family

Health officials urge residents to act immediately:

• Keep Oral Rehydration Salts—or mix 6 teaspoons sugar + ½ teaspoon salt in 1 litre of safe water.
• Boil or chlorinate drinking water.
• Wash hands with soap after latrine use and before eating.
• Disinfect household surfaces with chlorine bleach.
• Report suspected cases to the nearest clinic within 24 hours.

Download our full household checklist here: Cholera Home First-Aid Guide.

Conclusion

Western Bahr el Ghazal’s surge shows how fast cholera can spread when clean water and sanitation are scarce. Coordinated vaccination, rapid case management and vigilant communities are essential to prevent the outbreak from engulfing neighbouring states.

South Sudan Online will publish daily updates and practical guidance as this health emergency unfolds.