The governor of South Sudan’s Upper Nile state has warned the White Army, an armed group of Nuer youth led by spiritual leader Makuach Tut Khor, against advancing from Jonglei state to launch an attack on Malakal, the Upper Nile capital.
Earlier this week, Radio Tamazuj reported that the White Army and forces from the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) loyal to detained First Vice President Riek Machar were stationed in Mogog village in Ayod County and parts of Pigi County. The forces are reportedly under the command of Makuach Tut Khor.
In a briefing to reporters in Malakal on Friday, Upper Nile Governor Lt. Gen. Kames Koang Chuol said he had received intelligence that a force under Makuach’s leadership, currently in Ayod, is preparing to move through Pigi County and across the Nile to attack Malakal.
He said the security situation in Upper Nile remains relatively stable, but warned of the threat emanating from northern Jonglei.
“The main source of insecurity for Upper Nile comes from Jonglei, especially northern Jonglei areas of Pigi, Fangak and Ayod,” Koang said. “There are reports that spiritual leader Makuach is doing mobilization in Ayod to attack Pigi and cross the river Nile to attack Malakal.”
“So this is the plan that is being planned,” he added. “We urge the authorities in Jonglei to talk to Makuach because insecurity is always caused by northern Jonglei. I appeal to the authorities of Jonglei to come closer to the side of Ayod and Nyirol to control the security situation.”
Koang noted that Malakal is sheltering many civilians who fled insecurity in other parts of Upper Nile and Jonglei, and urged those planning an attack to consider the humanitarian impact.
“My message to those who are planning to come and fight in Malakal: Why are you coming to this far area to come and fight? Why are you not fighting in Ayod if you want fighting? Also, go and fight in Bor and within Jonglei state. Don’t come to displace people in a different area. Also, the government will not allow this to happen,” he said.
Koang also warned the forces led by the spiritual leader of consequences if they attack Malakal, urging them instead to focus on farming and return to their areas.
“As you can see now, farming is doing well in Malakal and the nearby areas, and people are waiting for harvest in October,” he said.
He said the economic situation in Upper Nile is worsening due to insecurity, particularly roadblocks in opposition-controlled areas. However, he emphasized the government’s willingness to negotiate with the White Army to prevent further violence.
“The security situation is stable in Upper Nile, but the challenge is the economy. Stop fighting so that the economy can stabilize in the state,” he said.
Due to widespread flooding in parts of Upper Nile, Koang also urged residents to move to higher ground. “The government, through its partners, is ready to support,” he said.