Western Equatoria State Caretaker Governor Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa has condemned recent attacks on government forces in Nagero County and in the Lakamadi Payam in Mundri East County, warned against further violence, and called on political actors to pursue power through peaceful and democratic means.
He said government soldiers returning from Boo Bridge came under six separate ambushes in Bandala, Nagero County, but managed to reach Tambura safely on Monday morning.
The governor also condemned an attack on a government outpost in Lakamadi on Tuesday, reportedly involving forces associated with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) and the National Salvation Front (NAS).
“We don’t want war in Western Equatoria,” Rimbasa said, warning forces loyal to former governor Alfred Futuyo against turning the state into a battleground.
He urged political actors seeking leadership to pursue their ambitions through elections, stressing that the people should choose their leaders through the ballot rather than through armed conflict.
However, Col. Wayi Godwill Edward, the SPLA-IO military spokesperson, in a press release on Tuesday said their position in Bandala, Nagero County, came under attack by SSPDF at 8 a.m. on Monday.
“Our position came under a heavy, unprovoked and coordinated offensive by joint forces of the SSPDF, Wildlife Service, and elements designated as the East Africa Regional Force,” the statement reads in part. “The gallant SPLA-IO forces of Sector 6, under the decisive command of Governor Lt. Gen. Alfred Futuyo Karaba, Sector Commander, responded with bravery and valour. After eight hours of fierce combat, from 0800 HRS to 1600 HRS, the enemy was decisively defeated and repulsed towards Nagero and Tambura towns.”
“The enemy casualties and losses include 15 personnel killed in action, 21 critically wounded in action, and assorted arms and ammunition recovered in good condition. On the SPLA-IO, 2 freedom fighters were martyred and 1 sustained minor injury,” the statement added.
Radio Tamazuj could not independently verify the claims.
Western Equatoria State Minister of Information and Communication Noah Issah Philip said some roads remain inaccessible following the recent security incidents, although residents in other areas continue with their normal activities.
According to information from local authorities, the road linking Tambura and Nagero has reportedly remained unused since Tuesday, with no movement reported along the route on Wednesday.
However, the road from Nagero towards areas reported to be accessible remains passable, allowing residents to continue their daily activities.
In Mundri, the routes connecting Mundri to Amadi and Lui were reported to be safe, while the road from Amadi to Biti remained accessible. The route from Biti to Lakamadi, however, was reported to be inaccessible following a security incident earlier this week.
Minister Issah said further information was needed to establish the security situation along some routes, particularly those leading towards Lakamadi.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to restoring peace and protecting civilians and their property.
“The government wanted residents to return to their homes and farms and resume cultivation without fear of threats, harassment or intimidation,” he stated.
A community leader in Nagero County who requested anonymity for security reasons described Monday’s security situation as tense following reported clashes between forces loyal to former governor Alfred Futuyo and the SSPDF.
“We are not aware if some died, but we know someone died,” he said. “We cannot confirm if many died or were injured.”
The source also reported seeing aircraft in the sky and said people were picked up in Tambura. However, the community leader could not establish the circumstances surrounding the reported movement or confirm the identities of those involved.
The account reflects continuing uncertainty among residents about the clashes, the reported casualties and the wider security situation in the area.
Efforts to reach representatives of the SPLM-IO, NAS and other relevant local authorities for comment on the reported attacks and the security situation were unsuccessful by the time of publication.
The circumstances surrounding the reported attacks and the extent of the casualties remain unclear.
The incidents have raised concerns about civilian safety, movement along key roads and the ability of communities to continue farming and other livelihood activities.
and then