“The government of the State calls upon all armed groups fighting the government within its territory to heed the call for reason, embrace peace, and pursue peaceful means to address their political grievances through dialogue,” the state government declared.
This statement follows a recent attack by armed individuals on Morobo County hospital, which resulted in the looting of critical medical supplies.
The state authorities particularly called on the leadership of the SPLM/A-IO and other holdout groups active in the region to immediately halt attacks on essential infrastructure, such as hospitals, which provide vital services to citizens. They also condemned the looting of villages and ambushes targeting road users.
The government accused elements of the SPLA-IO of infiltrating and attacking the main medical facility in Morobo County, located on the outskirts of the town, on Friday, June 20. The act has been denounced as a violation of international humanitarian law.
The assailants reportedly stormed the hospital, confined all staff on duty to a single room, looted the entire stock of medicines, and set fire to two ambulances used to transport vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, children, and the elderly, in rural areas.
“In light of the above, the Government of Central Equatoria State condemns, in the strongest terms possible, the barbaric act and heinous crime committed by the IO forces who attacked the hospital, looted medicines, and burned two ambulances,” the government stated, emphasizing that the attack was intended to deprive citizens of access to healthcare.
While the appeal by the new governor demonstrates a commitment to peace, it comes at a national government’s crackdown on key opposition figures, particularly those affiliated with the SPLM-IO, the political wing of the SPLM/IO.
The action has raised concerns about the prospects for peace. From March through April 2025, authorities in Juba have arrested and detained several prominent SPLM-IO leaders, accusing them of undermining national stability. Those in detention include Riek Machar and Puot Kang Chol, the Minister of Petroleum.
This hardline approach, aimed at consolidating power, has alienated other armed groups considering dialogue with the government.
Rebel factions such as the National Salvation Front, wary of potential reprisals or marginalisation, have long viewed the president’s amnesty offer with scepticism, fearing that joining the government could lead to similar targeting.
This development potentially undermines Governor Mujung’s call for peace, as holdout groups perceive the crackdown as evidence of bad faith, further entrenching their resistance to negotiations.
