A heavy deployment of military forces on major roads across South Sudan’s capital, Juba, caused fear and uncertainty among residents on Thursday, with authorities offering few details about the unusual security presence.
Soldiers were seen at several key locations, including Seventh Day Adventist Roundabout, near the University of Juba, along Ministries Road close to parliament, as well as Amarat and Airport Road.
Witnesses told Radio Tamazuj that the number of forces appeared especially large, including armoured personnel carriers (APCs).
The deployment sparked concern among residents, with some offices closing early and workers rushing home. Traffic continued to move, but many people appeared anxious as businesses weighed whether to remain open.
“It is my first time to see this kind of thing happening in South Sudan,” one resident said, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals.
“I saw different cars with soldiers. They looked happy, but I don’t know what is happening.”
The resident said people were frightened by the uncertainty. “I feel scared, but I don’t know what is happening,” the person said.
Another resident, who also requested anonymity, said the atmosphere in the city was tense.
“The situation seems not friendly because people are afraid. You can see the deployment, but up to now we don’t know exactly what is happening,” the resident said. “It is causing fear.”
The resident called on government officials to address the public. “It is better for the government to come out and inform the public on what is happening, because people are fearing,” the person said.
A security source also confirmed to Radio Tamazuj that military and police from different units, including Military Intelligence (MI) and the National Security Service (NSS), as well as tanks, had been deployed in some areas of Juba, without providing details on the reasons.
Despite the uncertainty, many residents continued with their daily routines as they awaited official communication.
Edmund Yakani, a civil society leader, told Radio Tamazuj that citizens in Juba were seeking answers over the heavy presence of security forces in parts of the city.
“We are urging the leadership of the country to inform the citizens to prevent public panic and individuals who like to champion rumours and fake news. Per heavy rumours and fake news is dominating the public conversations which is creating serious public panic,” he said.
Several calls to military spokesman Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang went unanswered.
However, police spokesman Maj. Gen. Daniel Justin told Radio Tamazuj that the heavy deployment in the capital was part of routine security preparedness and training ahead of elections scheduled for December 2026.
“We are always on high alert on the streets as security forces because of security needs for ongoing operations such as court and search activities. We would like to inform the citizens that the situation is calm and we are on the streets for their service,” he said.
“So I would like to tell the public that there is no any security threat. The situation is normal and there is no cause for alarm,” he added.
Observers have warned of a risk of renewed conflict in South Sudan.
Fighting in Jonglei and other parts of the country between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and groups aligned with First Vice President Riek Machar, who is currently in detention and facing treason charges, has forced tens of thousands to flee their homes, with aid agencies often struggling to operate.
The 2018 Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, signed by Kiir and his rival Machar, established the current transitional government and laid out steps toward democratic elections after years of civil war.
If held as planned, the December 2026 general elections would mark South Sudan’s first national vote since gaining independence in 2011.
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