By Chol D. Johnson
The Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) has dismissed social media reports alleging internal fighting within the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) in Pibor.
The claims suggested that SSPDF soldiers who fled recent fighting in Akobo after the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) recaptured the town had clashed among themselves in Pibor over the weekend.
Reports also alleged that SSPDF soldiers stationed in Pibor were ordered by their generals to return to Akobo County but refused to go back to the front lines.
In an exclusive interview with No. 1 Citizen Daily Newspaper, GPAA Information Minister Jacob Werchum Jouk dismissed the reports, stating that there were no internal misunderstandings among SSPDF forces.
“I was asked by people on social media to clarify reports claiming there was fighting in Pibor town among SSPDF soldiers, but these incidents have not occurred,” Werchum said.
He emphasised that the situation in Pibor remains calm, with residents going about their daily activities and preparing for the farming season as the rains begin.
“There is nothing like that happening here. I am currently in Pibor town, and the security situation is relatively calm,” he added.
Werchum further stated that all areas within the GPAA are peaceful and that SSPDF soldiers remain in their barracks.
“All areas are peaceful, and SSPDF forces are in their barracks. There is no fighting among them,” he said.
He also noted that authorities in Jonglei State are making arrangements to transport the Akobo County Commissioner and other officials who fled to Pibor during the recapture of Akobo to Bor town.
“The arrangements are being made by Jonglei authorities. I have not personally confirmed when they will move the commissioner, but the plans are underway,” he explained.
Renewed clashes between SSPDF and SPLA-IO forces resumed three weeks ago after SPLA-IO recaptured Akobo town in northern Jonglei State.
The fighting forced at least 62 individuals, including the Akobo County Commissioner, Jonglei State officials, SSPDF generals, and the county’s Paramount Chief, to flee to the GPAA.
The Greater Pibor Administrative Area is a neighboring administrative region in eastern Jonglei State.
Efforts to reach SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang for comment on the situation in GPAA were unsuccessful.