Residents in South Sudan’s Northern Bahr el Ghazal State are on edge after authorities deployed a heavy security presence in Aweil town on Thursday morning, amid rumors of planned protests by youth on Friday morning.
Large contingents of South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS), Wildlife Conservation Forces, Civil Defense Forces, and other organized units were seen stationed on the streets of Aweil, sparking concern among local residents.
Aguer Akok, a resident of Aweil, told Radio Tamazuj that the overwhelming military presence has left the community feeling terrorized, though the reasons behind the deployment remain unclear.
“We are not sure what’s happening because every corner is filled with armed forces, and their vehicles are moving throughout the area. They seem to be patrolling to protect civilians, but we don’t know what to expect tomorrow,” Akok said.
“People are scared for their lives,” he continued. “We don’t understand why the forces are so heavily armed, with artillery and light weapons. The deployment includes the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS), South Sudan National Prison (SSNP), and the South Sudan Civil Defense Forces, among others.”
Another resident, who identified himself only as Jonga, speculated that the heightened security could be related to rumors of an upcoming protest against the government.
“I’m not sure what’s going on. It might be linked to rumors about a regime-change protest scheduled for February 14. There were many forces deployed when I was heading to work this morning,” Jonga said.
Joseph Akok Aleu, Northern Bahr el Ghazal’s State Security Adviser, spoke with Radio Tamazuj, explaining that the increased security presence was in response to the current national situation.
He urged citizens to remain calm, emphasizing that the forces were simply carrying out their duties to maintain law and order.
“The security forces are deployed in response to the predicted demonstrations expected to take place on February 14,” Aleu confirmed. “Valentine’s Day celebrations will continue as planned, but we have measures in place to prevent any chaos.”
Aleu also noted that the security deployment aims to ensure the safety of foreign nationals living in Northern Bahr el Ghazal.