By Jacob Onuha Nelson
Authorities in Eastern Equatoria State (EES) say the security situation in Nadapal has calmed following recent clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement–In Opposition (SPLM-IO).
Speaking in an exclusive phone interview with this news outlet, the State Minister of Information and Communication, Elias John Ahaji, said the situation across EES has returned to normal, with security forces pursuing those responsible for the violence.
“The situation in EES is now normal and calm. People and security organs are still pursuing the criminals, and people are moving freely along the roads without any fear,” John said.
The Minister assured the public that security conditions across the state, including major road networks connecting counties, remain safe.
“The security situation in all our counties and the roads connecting them is safe. There is no need for anybody to fear,” he said, adding that commercial traffic has resumed normally.
“All business vehicles are moving from Kapoeta to Loki, from Kapoeta to Torit, from Torit to Juba, and from Kapoeta to Ngauro,” he stated.
John further noted that roads linking counties within the state are currently repaired and encouraged youth to engage in positive community activities that would benefit future generations.
He also urged young people to cooperate closely with security organs by reporting any criminal activity in their localities.
“We are encouraging them to continue cooperating with the security organs and to report any suspicious movement of criminal groups in their areas. They should report such cases immediately so that necessary action can be taken by the security forces,” John said.
The minister commended the youth and organized forces for maintaining stability during the festive season, enabling residents to celebrate Christmas and usher in the New Year peacefully.
“I would like to appreciate the youth and our organized forces for ensuring that people celebrated Christmas and welcomed the New Year peacefully. People celebrated well without any major incidents,” he added.
However, earlier this week, as the New Year was ushered in, several people reportedly lost their lives during confrontations between SSPDF and SPLM-IO forces in the Nadapal border area of Eastern Equatoria State.