Deng urges government to address Pochalla conflict

BOR, OCTOBER 3, 2023 (SUDANS POST) – A civil society activist has warned that the Pochalla County conflict between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and local armed youth may worsen if Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) and national authorities do not intervene.

On Sunday, residents in Pibor and Pertet counties of GPAA told Sudans Post that SSPDF troops accompanied by local youth mobilized by former GPAA chief administrator and SSPDF commander in Pochalla were on their way to attack locals in Pochalla.

In a statement extended to Sudans Post today, Bol Deng Bol, the Executive Director of INTREPID South Sudan and Chairperson of Jonglei Civil Society Network (JCSN) called for immediate action from the army and GPAA government.

“Reports from Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) indicates an impending continuation of aggression against the Civilians in Pochalla County to be perpetuated by a portion of South Sudan People’ Defence Forces in Pibor,” he said.

“We are appealing to the Commanders of SSPDF and other organized forces in GPAA and Pochalla in Particular to pay the necessary attention to this matter and ensure civilians are protected and their properties safeguarded from such aggressions,” he added.

The activist said that “700 armed joint SSPDF and Civilians are reported to be currently trekking in the bushes on their way to Pochalla.”

Bol urged the armed youth and state authorities to dialogue and address the conflict amicably.

“The September deadly confrontation between the SSPDF and the armed civilians was a horror that should be accounted for and repetition of the same should be avoided at all costs,” he said.

“Violence should never be an option in any circumstances involving civilians,” he said.

The statement further called on the national ministry of defense “to verify, investigate and take necessary measures to prevent a repeat of violent confrontation in Pochalla.”