SSPDF accused of airlifting weapons to arm local youth in Northern Jonglei

JUBA — The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) headquarters has been accused of chartering two aircraft to transport weapons and ammunition to parts of Northern Jonglei State, allegedly to arm local youth against forces of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO).

In a brief statement issued on Monday, SPLM-IO spokesperson Pal Mai Deng alleged the two aircraft transported munitions and firearms to Pathai Payam in Uror County and Riang Payam in Nyirol County.

“On 15–16 August 2026, SSPDF headquarters chartered two aircraft carrying munitions and weapons to Uror’s Pathai Payam and Nyirol’s Riang Payam to arm local youth against SPLA-IO forces,” Deng said.

Deng alleged arms deliveries are intended to mobilize and arm local youth amid continuing tensions between government and opposition forces in the area.

“Following these deliveries, SPLA-IO forces in Pulchuol were attacked yesterday,” Deng claimed.

He warned against the large-scale arming of Lou Nuer youth in Uror and Nyirol by the SSPDF, saying it could exacerbate communal tensions and fuel cycles of violence.

“The large-scale arming of Lou Nuer youth in Uror and Nyirol by the SPLM-IG-led government represents a dangerous counterinsurgency tactic,” he said.

“This will have harmful long-term consequences for the Lou Nuer community in terms of communal feuds and neighboring communities such as the Murle.”

Deng expressed concern that the alleged distribution of weapons to civilians could also further destabilize the area and increase the risk of violence.

“Deliberately arming communities against one another is a crime, a moral failure, and an act of profound irresponsibility. We condemn this in the strongest terms possible.”

The SSPDF had not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of publication.

Sudans Post could not independently verify the claims, and it remains unclear what types or quantities of weapons and ammunition were allegedly transported.

In late December 2025, the fight broke out in Nyirol and Uror as SSPDF and SPLA-IO forces mobilized for confrontation.

Opposition forces subsequently captured strategic locations, including Waat and Yuai, while SSPDF forces launched counter-offensives to regain territory.

The renewed fighting also involved allied armed groups, including sections of the White Army and other opposition-aligned forces.

By January 2026, the government ordered civilians, UN personnel, and humanitarian workers to leave parts of Nyirol, Uror, and Akobo ahead of military operations.

The SSPDF also launched what it called Operation Enduring Peace to recapture areas controlled by opposition forces.