BOR – The SPLM-IO has strongly rejected accusations by the Jonglei State government linking the opposition movement to the alleged mobilisation of Lou Nuer youth for attacks against communities in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA).
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the Office of the Governor of Jonglei State accused SPLM/A-IO elements of attempting to mobilise armed Lou Nuer youth for possible large-scale attacks against communities in GPAA, warning that such actions threatened ongoing peace and reconciliation efforts in the region.
Dr Riek Gai Kok condemned what he described as deliberate attempts to destabilise northern Jonglei and obstruct humanitarian operations and peacebuilding initiatives.
“The Government strongly condemns the recent attacks targeting road construction workers, obstruction of humanitarian food distribution, looting of humanitarian supplies, and acts of intimidation directed against civilians and humanitarian personnel,” Riek Said.
The government further alleged that SPLM/A-IO elements were involved in activities aimed at undermining stability achieved through the “Enduring Peace Campaign” and dialogue efforts between Jonglei State and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area.
Riek expressed concern over “credible reports” that SPLM/A-IO elements were mobilising armed Lou Nuer youth for possible attacks on Murle communities.
“The Government views these actions as reckless provocations that risk inflaming intercommunal tensions, threatening peaceful coexistence, and undermining ongoing reconciliation efforts between neighbouring communities,” said Rieak.
However, in a separate response released Tuesday, Pal Mai Deng, SPLM-IO spokesperson, denied the allegations and instead accused forces allied to the government and the SSPDF of instigating youth violence and cattle raids in GPAA.
The opposition movement claimed it had prior knowledge that youth from Uror County and Pading were allegedly supplied with ammunition in Waat and Yuai by SSPDF elements.
“We thought the SPLM-IG Civil Administration’s and genocidal SSPDF’s motive in Waat and Yuai to arm the youth was to fight SPLA-IO forces in these areas,” said Mai “But we have come to know later on that it was a motivation to Lou Nuer youth for going to Murle’s Pibor Administrative Area for a cattle raid.”
“It is immorality, irresponsibility, immature leadership and lack of conscience to create a horrible situation yourself for innocent people, which you blame on others for your selfish benefits. Riek Gai, the de facto Governor of Jonglei state, is the chief architect of the ongoing cattle raid he has accused SPLM IO of doing,” he added.
SPLM-IO further accused Governor Riek Gai Kok of being “the chief architect of the ongoing cattle raid” that the government had blamed on the opposition group.
The movement also argued that counties under its control, including Akobo and Nyirol, had not participated in the alleged raids.
“To prove that SPLM-IO is not behind any raid in Murle’s GPAA at the moment, two counties that are under our control are Akobo and Nyirol,” he said.
The opposition group said it was prepared to allow independent interlocutors to investigate the accusations.
The exchange of accusations comes amid renewed tensions in parts of Jonglei and GPAA, where intercommunal violence, cattle raiding, and insecurity have repeatedly disrupted humanitarian activities and displaced civilians.
