Agwelek forces, Nuer youth mobilize for armed confrontation at Malakal POC

MALAKAL, JULY 1, 2023 (SUDANS POST) – The Agwelek forces led by General Johnson Olony Thabo and Nuer youth are heavily mobilizing outside Malakal town with the purpose of attacking the POC inside the Upper Nile state capital, government and security sources say.

One source said forces of the Agwelek are mobilizing Chollo youth with a primary aim to attack the IDP camp where thousands of people have been seeking security since outbreak of South Sudan’s civil war in December 2013.

“They (Agwelek) are mobilizing in Wau Shilluk, and other parts of the western Nile and the reason is to attack the IDP camp,” said one government official who spoke to Sudans Post inside Malakal.

Another source in Nasir said armed Nuer youth are mobilizing in Nasir, Ulang and some parts of northern Jonglei state for “a rescue mission” claiming that the IDPs at Malakal POC have been surrounded by Agwelek forces.

“The primary reason is for these youth to go for a rescue mission for out people who have been encircled by the Agwelek youth in Malakal camp. They have to get to Malakal on the shortest period of time,” the community source said.

TROIKA ‘GRAVELY CONCERNED’

In a statement, the TROIKA countries expressed concerns over the reports of mobilization and called on those with influence to intervene and support peaceful means to solve grievances in order to help protect civilians.

“The Embassies of Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States are gravely concerned by continued reports of mobilization of armed groups in Upper Nile State, including threats to those living in the Malakal Protection of Civilians (POC) site,” they said.

“We urge those in a position of influence to engage immediately in support of peace and security, and we call for those responsible for encouraging violence to be held accountable.

“Reports of this kind further underscore the urgency of deploying the Necessary Unified Forces (the NUF), consistent with commitments in the 2018 revitalized peace agreement.  Those who obstruct progress toward this objective are placing the interests of the South Sudanese people at risk,” they added.