The Chief of Defence Forces of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), Gen. Dr. Paul Nang Majok (PhD, Postdoc), has officially declared the Bor-based Red Belt Movement a rebel group, branding its members as criminals and enemies of the state.
In an emergency directive issued to all organized forces, Gen. Majok instructed Lt. Gen. Kong Thou Kong, the Assistant Chief of Defence Forces for Operations, to treat and deal with the group as any other armed rebel organization fighting against the government and the SSPDF.
“The Red Belt Movement is no longer a community-based vigilante group,” Majok stated, describing its activities as a “grave threat to national security.”
“What is threatening our security here in South Sudan now is Red Belt. They have an emblem, they have ranks, they buy guns and that means it is a well-organized group. From today onward, treat Red Belt as criminals. To security organs, when you see a Red Belt, treat him as an enemy. There is no force of citizens with emblem. So, I gave this directive to operations: you have to treat Red Belt just like those who are fighting us,” Gen Paul Nang declared.
The decision follows the recent seizure of a cache of heavy and small arms, military uniforms, and charms found in a white van during a joint security disarmament operation in Juba.
According to SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, the designation of the Red Belt Movement as a rebel group came after military intelligence established that it had “surpassed the traditional roles of a vigilante group” in both organization and operation.
“The group’s structure, command system, resource mobilization, and acquisition of arms, including adoption of military ranks, uniforms, emblems, slogans, and expansion of cells in Juba and elsewhere, are crystal-clear hallmarks of a rebel movement with political objectives,” said Maj. Gen. Koang.
Earlier this month, following his appointment, Gen. Majok had ordered the immediate integration of the Red Belt fighters in Bor County into the national army, warning that those who refused would face forcible disarmament.
Despite government pressure, the group has continued to operate, claiming to protect communities from external attacks. State officials, however, have designated it an illegal armed organization, citing mounting security concerns and public sightings of its members in military-style uniforms carrying automatic weapons.
The SSPDF statement, dated October 28, 2025, formally confirms that the Red Belt Movement is now an active rebel group.
“The public and all organized forces are hereby informed that, effective today, the Red Belt Movement is officially declared a rebel organization,” Maj. Gen. Koang announced.
Attached to the military statement were photos and videos of seized weapons and materials allegedly linked to the group’s operatives in Juba.
