The warning comes amid escalating tensions in the region, with SSPDF alleging that the group is planning large-scale attacks.
In a statement released Thursday by Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, the SSPDF spokesperson, reported that the military’s Aerial Surveillance Unit had detected “large columns of heavily armed youth” moving from GPAA toward Jonglei State over the past three days.
Intelligence gathered by covert operatives suggests that the armed group intends to target multiple unspecified locations in the southern and eastern parts of Jonglei State.
“The SSPDF command strongly warns the armed youth to halt their march and disperse within 24 hours,” Maj. Gen. Koang stated, emphasizing the military’s constitutional mandate to protect civilians and their property from “unwarranted and wanton destruction.”
He added that failure to comply with the directive would prompt the SSPDF to deploy “all capabilities at its disposal” to preempt and avert the alleged planned attacks.
The movement of armed youth from GPAA, a region that has historically experienced tensions with neighboring Jonglei State, raises concerns about a potential outbreak of violence in an already fragile area.
Jonglei State has been plagued by intercommunal conflicts, cattle raids, and sporadic clashes involving armed groups, contributing to a humanitarian crisis that has displaced thousands in recent months.
The SSPDF has not disclosed specific details about the size of the armed group or the exact nature of the intelligence collected.
But Pibor youth dismissed the statement, terming it a “baseless and false allegation”.
“The Murle Community Youth Association in South Sudan has received with profound disappointment. It vehemently rejects your condemnation letter concerning the alleged mobilization of Murle armed youth to attack Jonglei State,” David Ngiro Yangkon, Chairperson, Murle Community Youth Association, said in a statement dated 11/04/2025.
Mr Ngiro claimed that the letter was filled with unsubstantiated claims and served only to ignite tensions and undermine the already precarious peace and reconciliation efforts between the communities in the region.
“We, the Murle community youth leadership, are deeply invested in fostering peaceful co-existence with our neighbours in Jonglei State and are actively working toward building trust and understanding,” the statement added.
“The assertion that our youth are mobilizing for an attack is a blatant lie. There is no such mobilization underway,” said the chairperson, adding that: “These allegations are likely fueled by misinformation and a desire to perpetuate harmful stereotypes about the Murle community. We condemn any form of violence, and we are committed to resolving conflicts through dialogue and peaceful means.”
