Jonglei State Governor Riek Gai Kok on Tuesday accused opposition forces of mobilising armed youth in northern Jonglei and warned of the risk of renewed clashes, following an extraordinary security meeting in the state capital Bor.
Kok said the meeting reviewed the security situation in Uror and Nyirol counties, where tensions have remained high in recent days.
He accused the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) of mobilising the Lou Nuer White Army and attempting to incite intercommunal violence in areas that had recently experienced relative calm under local peace initiatives supported by international partners.
“We are witnessing attempts to mobilise youth who had been part of peace arrangements,” Kok said, adding that such actions were “unacceptable” and risked reversing gains made through reconciliation efforts.
He said there were reports of armed movement towards Motot in Uror County, which he described as “unprovoked aggression”, and warned that government forces were on alert and would respond in self-defence if attacked.
Kok also said the state security committee had condemned any threats against communities in Greater Pibor and warned against a return to cattle raiding and child abduction, which have previously fuelled cycles of violence in Jonglei.
The governor called on the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and humanitarian agencies, including the World Food Programme (WFP), to continue their operations and verify conditions on the ground, despite what he said were attempts to disrupt aid delivery through threats.
Kok, a member of the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) led by President Salva Kiir, also referred to comments attributed to opposition spokesperson Pal Mai Deng warning of possible attacks in Akobo West, saying such statements were undermining humanitarian access.
Officials from SPLM-IO could not immediately be reached for comment.
SPLM-IO is led in an acting capacity by Oyet Nathaniel following the detention of First Vice President Riek Machar in March 2025. Machar, a key signatory to the 2018 peace agreement, is facing treason charges in Juba.
Tensions between government forces and opposition groups have escalated in parts of northern Jonglei in recent months, with violent clashes reported between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and SPLA-IO fighters.
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