.Kapoeta – August 4, 2024). I’m writing to formally clarify a misleading news article published by No. 1 Citizen dated August 2, 2024, titled: “SPOTLIGHT: Lobong on radar over gold mining encouragement,” regarding the incident that happened on July 2, 2024.
1. Contrary to claims made by Hon. Michael Losike, the company in question, Aswa Mining, was granted an exploration license and introduced to the government of Eastern Equatoria State by the National Ministry of Mining, which also requested the state government to provide the necessary assistance for the company to carry out exploration activities in the area. Upon receipt of the said letter from the National Ministry, the Governor of Eastern Equatoria State wrote two letters: one letter to the State Minister of Trade & Industry with copies to the Commissioners of Kapoeta East and Magwi Counties, introducing the company per the request of the National Ministry of Mining. And the second letter was for the formation of a high-level community awareness committee headed by the State Minister of Trade and Industry with membership of representatives from the local communities, the national Ministry of Mining, state and national MPs, including Hon. Michael Losike.
2. From April 7-19, 2024, the high-level committee commenced the awareness meetings in greater Kapoeta Counties. After a two-week long awareness meeting, the stakeholders, including Aswa Mining and the local community representatives, signed a Memorandum of Understanding that was witnessed by the representative of the Ministry of Mining.
To the best of our knowledge, Aswa Mining is still conducting exploration work but has not started mining minerals.
3. Contrary to the report of Hon. Michael Losike, the incident was a misunderstanding between the company’s road construction team and 20 youth from neighboring areas who took the law into their own hands by obstructing road work and confronting the company’s team who were working on the road at the time.
Dear ladies and gentlemen of the press, we trust that this piece of information will help address the misinformation circulating on social media. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at +211-921-771-778.
Yours sincerely,
Hon. Barnaba Looleng Lotumo,
Eastern Equatoria State Member of Parliament
Representing Katodori Payam
Kapoeta East County
