SSPDF Issues 24-Hour Ultimatum to Armed Youth Advancing Toward Jonglei State
Military Threatens Action if Group Fails to Disperse
JUBA – The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) has issued a stern 24-hour ultimatum to heavily armed youth from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA), warning them to halt their advance toward Jonglei State or face military intervention.
The warning comes as tensions escalate in the region, with military officials alleging the armed group is preparing for large-scale attacks.
Military Surveillance Detects Armed Movement
In an official statement released Thursday, SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang revealed that military aerial surveillance had detected “large columns of heavily armed youth” moving from GPAA toward Jonglei State over the past three days.
According to intelligence reports, the group appears to be targeting multiple locations in southern and eastern Jonglei State, though specific details remain undisclosed.
Strict Deadline for Dispersal
“The SSPDF command strongly warns the armed youth to halt their march and disperse within 24 hours,” Maj. Gen. Koang stated, emphasizing the military’s constitutional duty to protect civilians from “unwarranted and wanton destruction.”
The spokesperson warned that failure to comply would result in the deployment of all available military resources to prevent the alleged attacks.
Escalating Tensions in Fragile Region
The movement of armed youth from GPAA raises serious concerns about potential violence in an already unstable region. Jonglei State has long struggled with intercommunal conflicts, cattle raids, and clashes involving various armed groups.
These ongoing tensions have contributed to a worsening humanitarian crisis, displacing thousands of civilians in recent months.
This remains a developing story as authorities continue to monitor the situation.