SSPDF Issues Ultimatum on Illegal Armed Activities and Disputed Fishing Site in Warrap and Jonglei

(JUBA) – The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) has issued a strong warning and set of directives targeting armed civilian movements and illegal occupations in Warrap and Jonglei States, giving affected communities specific deadlines to comply or face punitive measures.

The directives were issued on 30 October 2025 by Gen. Dr. Paul Nang Majok, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of South Sudan, through an official order released by the SSPDF Directorate of Media and Press under the signature of Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, the SSPDF Spokesperson.

In the order, the SSPDF directed residents of Tonj East County in Warrap State to immediately return to their respective Payams along with their livestock. The CDF warned against unnecessary armed movements between Bomas, Payams, and counties, describing such actions as a major source of insecurity in the region.

The statement further ordered all armed youth in the county to hand over their firearms to relevant local authorities without delay. The CDF warned that anyone who fails to comply with these directives would face disciplinary and punitive measures by the army.

In a separate directive, the SSPDF also issued an ultimatum to individuals and groups occupying the Buooth-Agany fishing site (Toc) and its surrounding areas in Twic East County, Jonglei State. The groups have been given 48 hours to vacate the area and return to their respective Payams and villages.

According to the SSPDF, the evacuation is intended to prevent renewed clashes among rival clans contesting the ownership and use of the fishing grounds. Once the evacuation is completed, the army will deploy security forces to the area to maintain order and prevent further violence.

The statement stressed that no further movement or activity will be allowed in the area after the expiration of the given ultimatum. The army has also warned that failure to comply with the evacuation order will attract punitive actions against those who remain in or around the disputed fishing site.

The SSPDF’s warning comes amid repeated reports of armed youth movements and cattle-related disputes in Warrap and Jonglei, which have long been flashpoints for violence.

Affected areas and directives:

The SSPDF said it will closely monitor the situation to ensure compliance, adding that its deployment plan aims to stabilise the affected areas and prevent further bloodshed.

The press release was issued from SSPDF General Headquarters, Bilpam, and signed by Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, the official spokesman for the national army.