South Sudan’s army chief has ordered civilians and armed groups occupying the disputed Buoth-Agany Island in Jonglei State to vacate the area within 48 hours, warning of punitive action against those who defy the order.
In a directive dated October 30, 2025, General Paul Nang Majok, Chief of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), instructed all individuals and groups residing on the contested island to return to their home villages, saying the army would deploy forces to secure the area once it is cleared.
“No unnecessary movement upon the expiry of the given ultimatum,” the letter read. “Once the area is completely evacuated, SSPDF will deploy security forces to prevent further clashes between rival clans contesting the fishing site.”
Gen. Nang warned that failure to comply would result in “punitive measures” against those remaining in the area after the deadline.
The Buoth-Agany Island, located between Duk and Twic East counties, has been the scene of recurrent intercommunal clashes over fishing rights and territorial claims. Both communities assert ownership of the island, and past fighting has resulted in numerous deaths and the destruction of property.
Bol Deng Bol, Executive Director of INTREPID South Sudan (ISS), welcomed the army’s intervention, calling it a “timely step” to avert further bloodshed.
“Unfortunately, many lives have already been lost and properties destroyed due to prolonged government inaction,” Bol told Radio Tamazuj. “We appreciate the SSPDF’s intervention in ordering the evacuation to give space for dialogue between the aggrieved Duk and Twic East communities.”
He urged both sides to comply with the evacuation directive and called on the army to safeguard civilians and their livelihoods during the deployment. “The intention is to save lives and create an environment for dialogue, which we expect to begin immediately after the evacuation,” he said.
The SSPDF has not announced a date for deployment but said it remains committed to restoring peace and stability in Jonglei’s volatile fishing zones.
Separately, Gen. Nang also ordered residents of Tonj East County in Warrap State to halt all armed movements and surrender their weapons to local authorities, warning of punitive measures for non-compliance.
The order came two days after the SSPDF carried out airstrikes in Tonj East, targeting areas where armed youth were reportedly regrouping.
Warrap State Information Minister Mamer Bath Marol told Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday that government aircraft bombed parts of the county on Monday and resumed attacks on Tuesday morning.
“There were bombardments in Tonj East after the SSPDF became aware that armed youth were gathering,” Marol said. “The airstrikes are intended to deter the armed youth from regrouping in the swamps.
South Sudan continues to grapple with insecurity and intercommunal violence despite a 2018 peace deal that ended a five-year civil war, whose implementation remains fraught with delays and political disputes.”