The Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) and National Salvation Front (NAS) have claimed responsibility for Tuesday morning’s attacks in the Eastern Equatoria State capital, Torit, and said they killed 10 government soldiers.
In September, NAS, led by Gen. Thomas Cirillo Swaka and the SPLA-IO under acting chairman Nathaniel Oyet, formed a military-political alliance, citing the collapse of the 2018 peace agreement. They have since carried out several joint operations, including the brief capture of the SSPDF base in Kediba in Mundri East County in Western Equatoria State on 24 September. This collaboration marks a significant shift, as the two groups had previously been at odds.
A joint press release on Tuesday, signed by SPLA-IO Spokesman Col. Lam Paul Gabriel, NAS/A Spokesperson Lt. Col. Kenyi Mogga Lomeling, described the operation as a well-planned and executed military action aimed specifically at the SSPDF’s 7th Infantry Division Headquarters in Torit Town and a checkpoint along the vital Torit-Juba road.
“This [Tuesday] morning, the Joint Forces of the NAS and SPLA-IO executed a successful military operation against the SSPDF in Torit, the headquarters of Eastern Equatoria State. The operation, which was carried out with precision, specifically targeted the SSPDF’s Division Seven base (Giyada), government forces stationed in Gumbo, and the checkpoint base along the Torit-Juba road,” the statement reads in part. “As a result of the operation, the Joint Forces confirmed the death of 10 enemy combatants, with a significant number also injured. This attack marks the second operation by the NAS and SPLA-IO in Eastern Equatoria, following an earlier attack in Kapoeta South.”
The rebel groups rubbished Governor Louis Lobong’s claims that they have been staging attacks and ambushes along roads in the state and faulted the SSPDF for attacking innocent civilians.
“Contrary to his [Lobong’s] statement, there have been no attacks targeting civilians in Eastern Equatoria by either the NAS or SPLA-IO. It is important to note that civilians have been entirely excluded from the objectives of these military actions, which have strictly targeted military installations and armed forces,” the statement said. “We also call on Governor Lobong to address the actions of his own troops, who have been reported to attack farmers and businesswomen transporting their goods to Juba. These incidents, driven by hunger and lack of discipline, are contrary to the stated goals of maintaining peace and order in the region.”
“The Joint Forces remain committed to protecting the people of Eastern Equatoria and upholding their right to security and stability, while continuing to defend against any threats to the sovereignty of the region,” the statement added.
On Tuesday, Governor Lobong released a statement about the attacks but said that only a police officer was killed.
“At approximately 5:00 AM, SPLM-IO forces launched an armed raid on Torit Town, specifically targeting the Torit Military Hospital,” he said. “At the same time, another group of armed SPLM-IO elements advanced from Enyif and opened fire on the official vehicle of the Torit County Commissioner, resulting in the killing of a Police Captain who was serving as the Deputy Inspector of Police, Torit County.”
Lobong said there has been a pattern of continued hostile activities by the SPLM-I0 in the state, but that despite persistent provocations, his administration has consistently advocated for peaceful coexistence and cooperation between the SSPDF and SPLM/A-IO forces in the interest of the civil population and implementation of the peace agreement.
“However, these latest assaults amount to a declaration of war against the government and the peace-loving people of Eastern Equatoria State,” he charged.
The governor called on all citizens of the state to remain vigilant and not to provide sanctuary or support to those who perpetrate violence.
“I call on the SSPDF and all other organized forces to take the necessary measures to defend the people and properties, and to safeguard the sovereignty and peace of the Republic of South Sudan from these barbaric acts committed by enemies of peace,” he stated.
Lobong said his government remains committed to protecting its citizens and will continue to work tirelessly to dialogue with peace-loving armed groups to restore stability and ensure that peace prevails across the state.
Meanwhile, Vitale Abure, a Torit-based activist who advocates non-violence, called for peace, condemned the attacks, and said he was disappointed by the loss of lives, especially those of innocent bystanders.
“We call upon all involved parties to halt hostilities and lay down their arms. It is imperative to engage in dialogue with sincerity and mutual respect. No nation can be built through violence,” he said. “Peace requires our collective efforts across civil society, opposition parties, the government, and all stakeholders to foster an environment of coexistence. Compromise through coordinated efforts, as united citizens of this country, can pave the way for reconciliation.”
“We urge NAS, SPLA-IO, and the government to stop the cycle of violence, as we are still mourning the losses on both sides,” Abure added.