The SSPDF and the opposition SPLA-IO resumed fighting in Unity State on Sunday, with the opposition saying it had captured a government base, a claim denied by state authorities.
Fighting broke out on Sunday morning in the Tor Abieth area, located west of Rubkona County, and in the Kubri-Jamus area, northwest of Rubkona County. Tor Abieth is approximately 50 km west of the state capital, Bentiu, and is located a few kilometres from the Unity oilfields.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj this afternoon, Major Kerbino Yai Pazale, the SPLA-IO Sector Two spokesperson in Unity State, said their forces had captured an SSPDF base in Tor Abieth after fighting.
“We have no problem with civilians; we just notify them to keep themselves far away from military places. Tor Abieth is now under our control,” he said.
Major Pazale said the clashes began after an attack on their base. He pointed out that the fighting started in the morning following an attack on an SPLA-IO base in Kubri-Jamus.
Regarding casualties, he said the identities of those killed had not yet been established, and the number of people who sustained gunshot wounds had not been confirmed from Sunday’s fighting.
He also reported that several attacks on their base occurred last night in Kubri-Jamus, adding that tension remains high between the SSPDF and SPLA-IO in Rubkona.
In a statement issued on Sunday afternoon, the Unity State government denied the SPLA-IO’s claims, asserting that the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) had repelled two attacks over two days.
Nyakanya Johannes Keah, the State Minister of Information, said SSPDF units “responded promptly and professionally, successfully repulsing the attack on Tor Abieth and restoring full control of the area.”
The statement detailed a second incident on Saturday morning at the Dingding garrison, attributing it to the “same hostile forces.” It said the SSPDF again engaged, “dismantling the attacking forces and forcing them to flee to farther areas.”
The information ministry sought to reassure residents, saying: “The ministry reassures the public that calm has fully returned to Rubkona town and its environs.”
It said security organs were in firm control, normal life was continuing, and there was “no threat to civilians, public institutions, or humanitarian operations,” urging people to “remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding.”
Local reports indicate significant civilian displacement due to the violence.
A resident of Kubri Jamus described the situation: “The fighting occurred yesterday morning and resumed this Sunday morning. We have been displaced from our homes to the forest. Yesterday evening and again this morning, we left our homes,” he said.
The resident also shared local assessments of control, saying: “Pakur is controlled by the SSPDF, but Dingding seems to be under the control of the SPLA-IO, according to information we receive.”
Simon Gatdet, a civil society activist in Unity State, confirmed the resumption of hostilities in Rubkona County. “The SSPDF and SPLA-IO resumed fighting again this morning in Rubkona County after clashes occurred earlier last night,” he said.
He condemned the incidents and called on state leaders to intervene: “We call on the leaders of Unity State to control the fighting that occurred yesterday and today.”
Unity State is a major oil-producing region in northern South Sudan.
The violence in Rubkona County follows a pattern of recent fighting over military bases. The SPLA-IO has recently made gains in Jonglei State, where it controlled SSPDF bases in the Greater Lou Nuer area, and announced another capture this morning of a small SSPDF base in Wau Payam, Ayod County.
South Sudan remains fragile despite the 2018 peace agreement, with the parties frequently accusing each other of ceasefire violations and obstruction of critical security arrangements.