A joint force of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), police, and National Security Service (NSS) has been deployed to disputed fishing islands in Jonglei State to restore security following years of deadly clashes between rival youth groups.
The deployment, which took place on Saturday, comes a week after the SSPDF ordered the evacuation of the contested Biothagany and Lang islands, long disputed between youth from Hol in Duk County and Ayual in Twic East County.
The areas, known for their rich fishing grounds, have witnessed recurrent violence over ownership claims since 2023.
Jonglei State Information Minister Nyamar Lony Thichiot said the joint security forces left Bor town for Biothagany, Lang, Paluat, Panom, Kwai, Sedaf, and Dong islands to secure the area and prevent further clashes.
“The deployment of the joint forces is vital for resolving the ongoing communal conflict between the Hol community of Duk County and the Ayual community of Twic East County,” Nyamar told reporters. “The state government remains committed to ending inter-communal violence that has claimed lives in these islands and elsewhere in Jonglei.”
The deployment was overseen by senior officers, including Deputy Chief of Defence Forces for Operations Gen. Koang Thou Koang, NSS Deputy Chief of Operations Maj. Gen. Samuel Lueth Omot, and Police Operations Director Maj. Gen. Mangar Atok Komic.
Nyamar also announced that Chief Justice Dr. Benjamin Baak Deng has directed the establishment of a special court to prosecute suspects involved in the inter-communal fighting — a move long demanded by rights groups.
“The Government of Jonglei State urges all local authorities, county commissioners, and traditional leaders to cooperate with the deployed security forces and the judges of the special court to restore law and order,” she said.
Duk County Commissioner John Chatim Ruei confirmed to Radio Tamazuj that local youth had vacated the contested islands and expressed readiness to cooperate with the security forces.
“Our youth have already withdrawn from the islands and are ready to support the new forces,” Ruei said.
Recently, civil society activist Bol Deng Bol, Executive Director of INTREPID South Sudan, cautiously welcomed the military’s intervention, saying it could open space for peaceful dialogue.
“Unfortunately, many lives have already been lost due to prolonged government inaction,” Bol said. “However, the SSPDF’s order to evacuate Biothagany is a positive step that allows room for dialogue. I urge both communities to comply and the army to respect civilian settlements and livelihoods while securing the area.”