The Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) has refuted claims of youth mobilization and marching toward neighboring Jonglei State for an attack.
Peter Guzulu Maze, the Chief Administrator of GPAA, dismissed reports from the Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), citing prevailing circumstances that make such mobilization improbable.
“First of all, we are dealing with a cholera outbreak, and no one can mobilize under these conditions,” Guzulu said. “Second, it is the dry season, and the area is too arid for any large-scale movement. Maj. Lul Ruai should verify his reports.”
On Thursday, the SSPDF had warned of armed youth allegedly marching from GPAA toward Jonglei State. Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang said the SSPDF surveillance detected this movement and issued a 24-hour ultimatum for the group to cease.
He warned of potential lethal action if the ultimatum was ignored, citing the army’s constitutional duty to protect people and their property.
Guzulu, however, emphasized that relations between Jonglei State and GPAA have improved, noting the reopening of roads, previously closed due to insecurity, and the resumption of trade between the two areas.
“The road between Pibor and Jonglei is now functional. Vehicles are moving, and as leaders, we are committed to peace,” Guzulu affirmed.
He also highlighted efforts to foster peace among bordering communities. This included persuading armed youth to disengage from planned attacks.
“There were armed youth who wanted to head toward Kapoeta. We successfully brought them back as part of our peace campaign,” Guzulu revealed. “Currently, there is peace between the Toposa and Murle, as well as the Anyuan and Murle communities. We are optimistic about maintaining security.”
Guzulu reiterated GPAA’s commitment to a peace accord signed earlier this year in Juba with Jonglei State, aimed at ending intercommunal violence in the region.
