South Sudan army chief orders forces to ‘end’ rebellion in seven days

JUBA – South Sudan’s military chief has issued a seven-day ultimatum to government troops to “end” a renewed insurgency in the restive Jonglei State, ordering a massive counter-offensive to protect the state capital, Bor, from what he described as an encroaching enemy force.

General Paul Nang Majok, the Chief of Defence Forces for the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), delivered the directive on Tuesday morning while addressing a gathering of soldiers in Baidit, about 20 kilometers north of Bor.

His frontline appearance, broadcast on the state-owned South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), confirmed exclusive security reports published by Sudans Post on Monday that the army chief had personally deployed to the region to oversee the operations.

Standing before units drawn from the SSPDF’s 3^rd, 5^th and 12^th infantry divisions—a substantial amassing of firepower that signals a major escalation—Nang declared that the time for ceremonial drills was over.

“What I want to tell you, is that today is not a day for parade. It is a day for organization,” Nang told the troops in a speech verified by Sudans Post. “Our parade will be in Poktap. There is an NSS [National Security Service] force stationed in Poktap. I have seen that you are [strong] men. We brought you because we have a problem in front of us here.”

‘SEVEN DAYS ONLY’

The deployment comes in response to a rapid deterioration of security across several states including Jonglei and Central Equatoria.

Last week, opposition forces from the main armed opposition to the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) seized the town of Pajut in Duk County, gaining a foothold that military intelligence fears could be used as a launchpad for an assault on Bor.

Simultaneously, the security situation tightened around the national capital, Juba, after rebels captured Panyume in Central Equatoria on Tuesday. The fall of Panyume, combined with opposition calls for a march on Juba, has placed the government on high alert across multiple fronts.

General Nang’s orders in Baidit were explicit and time-bound, reflecting the urgency of the threat.

“This thing in front of us here, I have given you seven days only to end it,” he commanded. “After seven days if it finishes, from here we go directly to Warrap [state] for disarmament.”

The army chief’s rhetoric leaned heavily on the traumatic history of Bor to rally his forces.

The town was the site of the infamous 1991 Bor Massacre and was devastated again during the outbreak of civil war in 2013. For the residents of Jonglei, these dates are synonymous with mass displacement and targeted killings.

“In 1991, the enemy came through Bor. In 2013, it came through Bor. This must be the last time,” Nang said, invoking the past to justify the current mobilization. “The rebellion which is here must end.”

Despite the arrival of heavy reinforcements, the atmosphere in Bor remains one of deep anxiety. Thousands of civilians have been displaced from the town and its northern peripheries, fleeing the anticipated crossfire.