Greater Pibor denies plans to attack Jonglei

JUBA, JANUARY 20TH 2023 (SUDANS POST) – Authorities in South Sudan’s Greater Pibor Administrative Area have denied the allegations that its youth are clandestinely mobilizing to attack Jonglei State.

On January 19^th, the government of Jonglei State said it learned of the ongoing mobilization of armed youth from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area with the intention to carry out massive attacks in the areas of Jonglei State.

John Samuel Manyuon, Jonglei State Minister of Information and Communication claimed that the alleged mobilization appears to be retribution for last year’s clashes when Lou-Nuer youth invaded Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA).

Abraham Kelang, Pibor Minister of Information and Communication refuted the claim saying the state is not aware of ongoing mobilization to attack Jonglei State.

“The Government of Greater Pibor Administrative Area ensures to the public that there is no ongoing mobilization known officially to attack Jonglei areas,” Kelang said in a statement seen by Sudans Post on Thursday.

Kelang reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to resolving the conflict peacefully.

“The government of GPAA and the entire community led by Lokoli Amee Bollen, Chief Administrator still remained committed to seeking peaceful resolution with neighboring Jonglei State in general,” said Kelang.

Jonglei authorities last week secured the release of more than 88 children and women who were in captivity of armed youth in the State.

“We appreciate the feedback done by Denay Jock Chagor, Governor of Jonglei State, and the entire community to rescue eighty-eight abducted children and women from the hands of armed youth of Jonglei State to the government of Greater Pibor Administrative Area to their biological parents,” he said.

He said called on the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and International Community and national government to disregard the rumors of alleged mobilization.

The violence that erupted last year till January left more than 60 people killed and more than 1,400 children and women abducted from the Lanam, Gumuruk, and Lekuangole areas of GPAA.

He also appealed to the people of South Sudan to intervene in finding an amicable solution to the prolonged conflict between GPPA and Pibor.

“Greater Pibor Administrative Area is calling upon the people of South Sudan for a solution to our internal conflict that lasted for so long; it shouldn’t be taken as something easy. It needs your support and cooperation toward peace,” he said.