The Government of the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) on Friday rejected a statement issued by the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) alleging that their youth had mobilized and were on the move to attack areas in the neighboring Jonglei State.
SSPDF Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang’s Thursday press release comes amidst rising political and security tensions in parts of the country.
“In the last three days, SSPDF Aerial Surveillance Unit had observed and detected large columns of heavily armed youth from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) moving towards Jonglei State,” Gen. Ruai’s statement partly read. He warned that the army would deploy to protect civilians and their properties if the armed youth failed to halt their march on southern and eastern Jonglei State within 24 hours.
However, GPAA Information Minister Nyinginga Okanho Kiro on Friday said they were unaware of any local youth groups planning to attack Jonglei State amidst newly appointed Chief Administrator Peter Guzule’s efforts to restore peace with neighbors.
“This warning letter circulated by Comrade Lul Ruai has shocked the people and Government of the GPAA. We are not aware of this; we just learnt of this report last evening,” he stated. “This is shocking, and as a government, we cannot allow it to happen on our watch, so it is not true.”
He added: “Here in Pibor, we did not receive any report that there is a large mobilization that had taken place. Since our new chief administrator assumed office, his priority is peace and reconciliation, and it is in this context that he is touring Jonglei ane Eastern Equatoria states.”
The GPAA government mouthpiece condemned the letter.
“If there was anything as such, we could have reported it ourselves,” he stated. “So, we condemn this letter. The chain of communication is not being followed here.”
Efforts to contact Jonglei State Information Minister Nyamar Lony for comment were futile as her phones went unanswered.
Meanwhile, Bol Deng Bol, a Bor-based civil society activist who doubles as the Executive Director of INTREPID South Sudan (ISS), said the development was a worrying trend that will only deepen the already precarious political situation.
“This is a reminder of what happened in Nasir when the army warned that there was a youth mobilization and that they would respond accordingly. We know the result will be the death of women and children. So, this is a basis to extend air bombardment to Jonglei State,” he said. “If at all this mobilization occurred, it would be the first time because these attacks and counterattacks have been happening. What has been lacking to neutralize these issues is that the governments in the two regions have not been supported with resources to handle these issues.”
The activist urged for dialogue to de-escalate any tensions and have the local government leadership engaged.