South Sudan presidency reassures calm after rumors of army tensions at Bilpam

JUBA – South Sudan’s presidency on Tuesday sought to allay fears of unrest in Juba, assuring citizens that the situation in the capital remained “calm and peaceful” despite rumors of tensions at the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) headquarters in Bilpam.

The reassurance follows last week’s heavy gunfire during an attempt to arrest former National Security Service head, General Akol Koor. Residents of Juba, a city that has witnessed large-scale violence in the past, expressed fears of a resurgence of conflict amid the recent developments.

On Tuesday, rumors spread suggesting that SSPDF Chief of Defense Forces Gen. Santino Deng Wol had suspended the military’s chief of intelligence, Maj. Gen. Marshal Stephen, and ordered his disarmament.

The rumors further claimed that Gen. Marshal resisted the suspension and consolidated his forces in Bilpam and nearby areas such as New Site, allegedly escalating tensions.

The speculation caused alarm across the city, prompting vendors and pedestrians to leave areas like Customs and Konyokonyo markets early in a chaotic manner to head home.

In a statement issued by the presidency and seen by Sudans Post, officials denied the claims and emphasized the stability of the city.

“The Office of the President would like to reassure the public that the security situation in the capital, Juba, remains calm and peaceful. As you may have heard earlier from the Spokesperson of South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), the rumors of tension within the military headquarters are baseless and untrue,” the statement said.

It called on the public to dismiss unverified information aimed at instilling fear and disrupting daily life.

“We strongly urge all citizens to ignore any misinformation or unverified reports suggesting unrest. Such rumors are not only false but are fabricated to create unnecessary panic and disrupt the peace and normalcy in the city,” the statement added.

The presidency further encouraged citizens to continue their daily routines and rely on credible sources of information such as the police and the army.

“We encourage the public to go about their daily activities with confidence and to rely only on credible sources of information,” concluded the statement signed by presidential press secretary Lily Adhieu Martin Manyiel.