Authorities in Western Equatoria State on Monday strongly condemned a three-week spate of looting and arson attacks in Yambio, raising alarms over security and the fragile peace process.
John Bariyona, the SPLM-IO’s Minister of Cabinet Affairs in the state, expressed grave concern over the involvement of armed individuals in uniform, accusing them of burning homes and stoking fear among residents in Yambio.
“We do not know who is behind these attacks, but their use of uniforms complicates the situation,” he said. “We urge the government to act before Western Equatoria descends into the chaos seen elsewhere.”
The state minister called for strict adherence to the peace agreement, particularly the safeguarding of designated assembly sites for forces awaiting training and deployment.
“Lii-Rangu, a key containment area, must not be targeted. Protracted delays in training and deployment are fuelling frustration among those who have already graduated,” he said.
Yambio Mayor John Singira denounced the violence, which has disproportionately affected some communities in Yambio. “This must end. South Sudan belongs to all 64 tribes—every citizen has the right to live, farm, and access services anywhere,” he said.
Acting Police Commissioner Gen Samuel Tet confirmed heightened security patrols and a recent encounter with a suspect who fled after a warning shot was fired.
“Yambio remains calm, but we need community cooperation to identify perpetrators,” he said, noting that attackers often vanish before security forces arrive.
He called for public vigilance and urged residents to report suspicious activity.