Intensifying clashes between government forces and opposition fighters near Torit, the capital of Eastern Equatoria State, have prompted civilian displacements and a security warning from the state governor.
Fighting erupted on Saturday in the Ifwotu payam area, southwest of Torit town, between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and a combined force of the rebel National Salvation Front (NAS) and the SPLA-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO).
The sound of heavy gunfire caused panic among local residents, leading many to flee their homes. A number of families have sought refuge at the Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Torit.
In an address to the congregation at Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral on Sunday, Eastern Equatoria State Governor Louis Lobong Lojore sought to reassure the public.
“I want to assure you of your safety and encourage you to remain in your homes and maintain your daily activities,” Governor Lobong stated.
However, he cautioned civilians against “venturing too far into the bushes” as security operations continue to, in his words, “clear the area of the criminals responsible for the raids that occurred on the 18th of this month in Torit.”
The governor was referring to an attack on Torit by the combined forces of SPLA-IO and NAS on 18 November. The government has confirmed the deaths of three soldiers in that incident. However, opposition forces told Radio Tamazuj that the death toll was significantly higher, claiming at least ten soldiers were killed.
Governor Lobong accused the opposition of recruiting local youth through “dangerous propaganda,” falsely promising them invulnerability to bullets.
“We proved them wrong yesterday [Saturday] when the bullets indeed struck them, regardless of their delusions,” he said, referring to Saturday’s counter-operations. “We will relentlessly pursue them until they are completely expelled from our territory.”
The governor’s office has not released a comprehensive casualty figure from Saturday’s clashes with the opposition forces near Torit town. Medical sources at Torit State Hospital confirmed to Radio Tamazuj that wounded government soldiers are being treated there but could not provide specific numbers.
Church condemns conflict
The Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Torit, Fr. Peter Ben Louis, strongly condemned the ongoing violence around the town of Torit.
“First and foremost, we condemn this ongoing conflict that brings suffering to so many. No one derives joy from this violence,” he said.
He described a harrowing scene at the Holy Rosary Church, urging people to “witness the plight of the poor children and mothers huddled together in the cold.”
In a wide-ranging address, Fr. Louis questioned the purpose of the fighting and appealed for peace. He mourned the death of a young captain, Cypriano Oromo, as a senseless loss emblematic of a broader “collective failure.”
“The young captain who lost his life, Cypriano Oromo, did not deserve such a fate. If you saw his home, you would understand the heartbreak of his loss. Similarly, many others have perished senselessly,” he said.
The priest also linked the local insecurity to wider economic problems, arguing that blocked roads hinder trade and development. He called on the youth to focus on constructive actions, stating, “Eastern Equatoria has long been known as a peaceful state, and we must remain vigilant.”
SPLA-IO and NAS statement
The opposition forces said on Sunday that their joint forces had repelled an army attack near Torit, claiming to have inflicted heavy casualties on government troops.
In a joint statement, the National Salvation Front (NAS) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In-Opposition (SPLA-IO) said the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) launched a “twin-axis attack” on their strategic positions on Saturday morning.
The statement said their fighters had successfully defended their position.
The two groups, who have recently formed a military alliance, claimed the SSPDF suffered 30 soldiers killed and 15 injured, with scores more missing. They also claimed the government forces sustained “considerable material losses.”
The groups said one of their fighters was killed and four were wounded in the clash.
The leadership of NAS and SPLM-IO said it “stands united in honouring the fallen and in assuring the people of South Sudan that we remain steadfast in our mission to bring peace, security, and justice to our nation.”
There was no immediate comment from the SSPDF or government officials on the claims.