South Sudan army chief in Bor as massive troop buildup signals imminent offensive

JUBA — South Sudan’s army chief Paul Nang arrived in the Jonglei State capital of Bor on Tuesday as government forces continued to deploy heavy reinforcements to the area, amid preparations for what security sources described as an imminent offensive against positions held by the main armed opposition.

The unannounced visit comes days after the government began surging additional units into the state capital to bolster defenses against possible attack, while simultaneously mobilizing separate columns for operations targeting areas in the northeastern parts of the state largely controlled by the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO).

Government forces last week began moving significant numbers of troops into Bor to strengthen defensive lines amid fears that recent fighting could spill closer to the town. At the same time, specialized units are being assembled for a planned offensive push toward Akobo County and surrounding territories, the sources said.

Civilians in Bor and nearby localities reported witnessing repeated troop movements in recent days, with long convoys of soldiers arriving by road.

“Troops have been brought here continuously,” one resident said, asking not to be named for security reasons. Two other residents and a local trader separately confirmed seeing trucks transporting soldiers and equipment entering the town throughout the week.

Three security sources confirmed to Sudans Post that the redeployment serves a dual purpose including securing Bor from potential encroachment and to stage grounds for offensive operations deep into opposition-held territory.

The military build-up had intensified following recent SPLA-IO advances in the state and elsewhere in the country.

Last week, the SPLA-IO siezed control of Pajut, the administrative headquarters of Pajut Payam in Duk County, and yesterday captured Panyume, the administrative headquarters of Panyume Payam in Morobo County of Central Equatoria State.

The loss of Pajut heightened concerns within the military leadership in Juba that opposition units could seek to expand their presence south, pushing deeper into government-controlled areas of Jonglei State where it would be easier for the opposition forces to march with speed to Juba.

In parallel to the movements in Jonglei, Johnson Olony, the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) Assistant Chief of Defence Forces for Disarmament and Mobilisation, was seen in Lakes State and parts of southeastern Warrap State over the weekend.

The simultaneous visits by senior military figures to multiple regions suggest a coordinated effort to mobilize and reposition forces as the security situation deteriorates across several fronts, analysts said. Fighting has intensified in parts of Jonglei, Upper Nile, Unity and Central Equatoria states in recent weeks, raising fears of a return to full-scale war.

Government officials have not publicly detailed the purpose of the army chief’s visit to Bor or the scale of the planned operation. The SSPDF did not respond to requests for comment on Tuesday.

The SPLA-IO, for its part, has stated it is prepared to resist any offensive and has accused the government of undermining the 2018 peace agreement by pursuing military solutions instead of political dialogue.

Bor, which lies along the Nile River about 200 kilometres (120 miles) north of the capital Juba, has in the past been a flashpoint during periods of heightened conflict. Residents say memories of earlier fighting have fuelled anxiety as troops continue to arrive.

“People are worried because when soldiers come in large numbers, it usually means fighting is coming,” said another resident, who also requested anonymity.