(MOROBO COUNTY, CES) – The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces, SSPDF, commander in the Greater Yei region says the army is ready to engage armed opposition groups in peace dialogue as part of efforts to restore peace and stability in the region.
Major General John Lual Tong said dialogue remains a viable option for addressing insecurity, promoting reconciliation and rebuilding peaceful relations among communities across the region.
“The government does not have any problem with opposition, and whoever feels like joining the SSPDF, regardless of their ranks, is welcome and will be given what he wants,” General Lual said.
The commander called on chiefs, elders and other traditional leaders to help engage armed groups and encourage them to embrace peaceful dialogue.
His remarks came as community leaders in Morobo County met county and military authorities on Thursday to discuss measures aimed at addressing persistent insecurity.
Local authorities say armed opposition groups, including the SPLA-IO and National Salvation Front, remain a security concern in parts of the county.
Residents say insecurity has disrupted farming and other livelihoods, contributing to poverty and hunger as communities struggle to safely cultivate their land.
During Thursday’s meeting, community leaders urged authorities and security agencies to create conditions that would allow displaced families and returnees to safely return and resettle in their communities.
They said dialogue and peaceful engagement remain important avenues towards reconciliation and long-term stability.
Morobo County Commissioner Moro Isaac Johnson welcomed recommendations presented by chiefs, elders and traditional leaders aimed at restoring peace.
He described traditional leaders as a “bridge” between the government and those who have taken up arms against the country’s leadership, and reiterated the county government’s commitment to pursuing peace through dialogue.
Earlier, Central Equatoria State Governor General Augustino Jadala Kamilo Wani called on the Morobo County leadership to prioritise peace and stability ahead of the scheduled December 2026 elections.
He also urged community leaders to take a leading role in grassroots dialogue with armed opposition groups as part of efforts to reduce civilian suffering.
Access Radio could not independently reach representatives of the armed opposition groups mentioned by local authorities for their response to the peace dialogue initiative.
Morobo County, which borders Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, has experienced recurring insecurity involving armed clashes, attacks, kidnappings and displacement.
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