Residents of Majok-Yinthiou town in South Sudan’s Aweil East County say they are increasingly concerned over reports of armed groups gathering near the country’s northern border with Sudan, particularly in the Warguet and Yinthpabol areas.
Eyewitnesses reported the presence of unidentified armed personnel carrying heavy weapons in the area, sparking fears among local communities.
“There were heavy machine guns, and the forces could not be identified—whether they are from the SSPDF or SPLA-IO is unclear. Everyone is armed, and this has created serious concern,” a local resident told Radio Tamazuj on condition of anonymity, citing security fears.
However, local authorities have denied the presence of non-government forces in the area.
“These areas are under the control of our national army. The SSPDF is deployed in Majak Wai, Warguet, Jaac, and Yinthpabol, equipped to protect the nation,” said Paul Kuoc Akot, Director of Information in Aweil East County. “The people spreading these reports are disrupting peace and trying to cause instability in the county and state.”
Kuoc said the county’s security agencies, including Brigade 8 stationed in the area, have investigated the claims and found no evidence of rebel activity.
“We spoke with our security sources, and there are no indications of threats along the border. These rumours are being circulated by some youth opposed to the current leadership,” he said.
He also dismissed reports suggesting the presence of soldiers affiliated with the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) or a group linked to former army chief General Paul Malong Awan, now leader of the rebel group South Sudan United Front/Army (SSUF/A).
“That is completely false. Our Division Three commander and other leaders are here. If anything of that nature were happening, they would have informed us officially,” he said.
Attempts to reach Majok-Yinthiou Town Mayor Andrea Akok Lual for comment were unsuccessful. Multiple phone calls went unanswered.
Civil society leaders have urged the authorities in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State to act swiftly to verify the situation and reassure the public.
“I call on local authorities and security agencies to investigate the matter urgently and communicate clearly with the population. The safety and well-being of families and children must remain the government’s top priority,” said Joseph Angok Mayath, Executive Director of the Empowering Village Initiative.
Majok-Yinthiou lies near South Sudan’s northern border with Sudan, which is experiencing fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commonly known as Hemedti.
South Sudan also continues to grapple with insecurity and sporadic violence involving various armed opposition groups, including SPLA-IO, the National Salvation Front (NAS), and other factions that did not sign the 2018 peace agreement, such as those loyal to General Malong.