SSPDF officers accused of assaulting civilians on Tambura-Nagero road

TAMBURA – Residents of Tambura and Nagero Counties of South Sudan’s Western Equatoria State have accused South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) officers of assaulting civilians, leaving at least six youths hospitalized with serious injuries.

The alleged attacks occurred on Tuesday along the Tambura-Nagero road, sparking tensions in the restive region.

Local sources reported that SSPDF soldiers, accompanied by their commander, James Naando, were en route to Nagero for deployment to the Kubir Boo checkpoint when the incident occurred this morning.

Witnesses claimed the soldiers began assaulting youths along the road, resulting in multiple injuries.

“We saw soldiers, together with their commander, James Naando, heading to Nagero. When they reached the Yubu River area, they started beating youths along the road. Many people were injured, but only six were taken to the hospital,” a local youth member told Sudan Posts.

Another community member confirmed the violence, stating that his brother was among those beaten. He also alleged that soldiers burned down several houses in Nagero and Zomoi.

“This morning, many houses in Nagero were burnt down by these soldiers. They started in Nagero and continued to Zomoi,” the source said.

The deployment of SSPDF forces to Kubir Boo, an area controlled by the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO), has further escalated tensions. An SPLA-IO officer, who requested anonymity, criticized the move as a violation of existing agreements.

“We heard of Naando’s arrival, but how can SSPDF officers deploy in an SPLA-IO-controlled area? This is a violation. The deployment is illegal, and we will not allow it,” the officer said, expressing concerns over potential clashes.

Fighting between SSPDF and SPLA-IO forces has been reported in Kubir Boo in recent weeks, with both sides vying for control of the checkpoint. Last week, an army spokesperson said the SSPDF had dismantled the SPLA-IO-controlled checkpoint at Kubir Boo.

The ongoing violence has forced many residents to flee their homes in fear of further clashes. Local communities reported that more than six youths were hospitalized in Tambura following the assaults carried out by Naando’s forces along the Tambura-Nagero highway.