By Peter Kuol Kuch
The government of Jonglei State has confirmed the deployment of South Sudan people’s defence forces (SSPDF) at the most contested fishing Islands following dramatic disarmament exercise in Bor County.
According to government spokesperson in Jonglei, the security forces would be deployed at Buoth-angany, Lang, Paluat, Panom, Kwai, Sedaf and Dong among others in Jonglei over the weekend.
The Mentioned Fishing Islands have been highly contested by the two communities of Hol and Ayuel in Duk and Twic East Counties respectively since 2023. Several circles clashes have been held by the two warring communities fostering insecurity and livelihood disruptions.
The heavy deployment of security forces along the Contested Fishing Islands between Twic and Duk Counties come following the order of Gen. Paul Nang, the Chief of Defence forces in SSPDF asking the warring Youths to evacuate the contested islands within 48 hours’ time frame
According to Press statement seen by this news outlet, Hon. Nyamar Lony, the Minister for Information in Jonglei State emphasised that the deployment of security forces would act to resolve the communal conflict between the two communities.
“The deployment of joint security forces is vital for the resolution of the communal conflict between Hol in Duk County and Ayuel in Twic East County that persisted since 2023.’’ Nyamar explained.
Hon. Nyamar urges the communities along the Nile work jointly with the new deployed forces in order to peacefully co-existence.
Meanwhile Bol Deng Bol, the civil Society Activist in Jonglei State has welcomed the deployment of the security forces citing that it would help defuse further communal violence in the area.
“You know the tension there was that bad, and deployment of the forces will provide signicant security and would prevent further violence.” Deng said.
On other hand, Hon. Juac Arok, the Commissioner of Twic East County has confirmed the deployment of 100 security personnel that are to be deployed at buoth-anyang and Lang.
“Indeed, I got notification from the office of governor about the deployment of forces at the contested sites. The forces have been dispatched but their boats some mechanical fault, so I am informed that they are at Dhiam-dhiam now.’’ Arok said.
However, he stated that the Forces are currently at Dhiamdhiam in Twic East County and are yet to arrive at the designated locations.