By Chol D. Johnson
The Information Minister of the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA), Jacob Werchum Juok, has called on communities in Greater Jonglei to respect peace and resolve grievances through dialogue.
Speaking on Monday to No. 1Citizen Daily Newspaper, Werchum urged both government authorities and civilians to prioritise negotiations over violence.
“My message to the people of Greater Jonglei is to respect peace and go to the negotiating table if they have grievances with the government,” he said.
His remarks follow an alleged attack by forces linked to the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) and the White Army on civilians in Lekuangole County on Sunday morning.
According to Werchum, the fighting lasted throughout the day before local youth mobilised to defend their communities and push back the attackers by evening.
“The fighting started on Sunday morning. In response, local youth mobilised to defend their land and property. It continued until evening, when the attackers were repelled,” he said.
He added that the suspected attackers were believed to have come from Uror and Yuai counties in Jonglei State, with cattle raiding cited as the likely motive.
“These people are suspected to have come from Yuai and Uror counties,” Werchum stated.
He noted that no confirmed casualty figures were available due to the remoteness of the area and poor communication networks.
“We will share updates on casualties and cattle losses once information becomes available, as the area is very far and difficult to access,” he added.
Werchum condemned the attack, emphasising the need for peace, especially during the farming season.
“Peace is the only path to harmony in the area. We should not resort to violence,” he said.
Lekuangole County is located in the northern part of GPAA, bordering Jonglei State.
Earlier this year, the Jonglei State Government and GPAA authorities signed a peace agreement involving the Dinka, Nuer, and Murle communities, represented by county commissioners and traditional leaders, aimed at ending intercommunal violence.
Meanwhile, civil society leaders have expressed concern over the recurring conflict in the Greater Jonglei region.
Bol Deng Bol, Executive Director of INTREPID South Sudan and Chairperson of the Jonglei State Civil Society Network, said the violence has become persistent and worrying.
“The conflict in Greater Jonglei, including GPAA, is becoming endless—from military hostilities involving the White Army to communal clashes,” he said.
Bol warned that continued insecurity, particularly in areas such as Akobo and Uror, has led to displacement and instability.
“This is very unfortunate and worrying. Many people have been displaced due to the ongoing insecurity,” he added.
He called on authorities in Greater Jonglei, especially in northern counties, to encourage youth to embrace peace and engage in agriculture instead of conflict.
Bol also commended GPAA leadership for promoting farming activities, noting that such initiatives could help address food shortages and support economic recovery.
“We have seen top government officials participating in farming activities, which encourages young people to focus on agriculture,” he said