Tensions are rising in Pigi County, Jonglei State, amid reports of military mobilization by forces loyal to detained First Vice President Riek Machar, residents and officials said Friday.
South Sudan has seen an escalation in political violence since the start of the year, particularly in the Upper Nile region. Clashes have involved Machar’s Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO), the White Army militia, and government troops.
Pigi County, located on the northern edge of Jonglei State, sits at the confluence of the Sobat and Nile Rivers, just south of Malakal.
Mathew Matiok Lem, a member of the Jonglei State legislative assembly representing Pigi County, told Radio Tamazuj that attacks appear imminent in the county and in northern parts of neighboring Upper Nile State.
He claimed the White Army — a militia composed largely of Nuer youth — is mobilizing under the spiritual leadership of Makuach Tut.
“Our situation in Pigi County is not good. There is fear of an impending attack,” Lem said. “A spiritual leader called Makuach Tut is mobilizing in Ayod County to attack Malakal, the capital of Upper Nile State. SPLA-IO and the White Army are already present in areas like Mat and Konliet in our county. Their reported aim is to pass through and reach Malakal, potentially engaging SSPDF forces along the way, which is sparking fear among locals.”
Lem added that civilians living near militia camps have started fleeing the area in search of safety.
Paul Pur, the paramount chief of the area, also confirmed the rising tensions.
“Our situation was normal, but over the past two days, reports of White Army mobilization have created concern,” he said. “Tension is further heightened by the SPLM-IO naming a new commissioner for the area. The intentions of the opposition-appointed official remain unclear.”
The SPLM-IO was not immediately available for comment.
Bol Deng Bol, a civil society activist and executive director of INTREPID South Sudan, warned of a worsening security situation and urged political leaders to act swiftly.
“The detention of First Vice President Riek Machar has created serious uncertainties across the country,” Bol said. “Jonglei is among the worst-affected states. We are seeing military mobilization on the ground daily.”
He added, “It’s unclear when the situation will spiral out of control. This is a political problem that requires a political solution. We call for de-escalation, dialogue, and the release of Machar and his allies.”
South Sudan has faced years of political instability and violence, despite a 2018 peace agreement aimed at ending the country’s civil war.