By Kei Emmanuel Duku
A recent attack in Morobo County, allegedly by National Salvation Front (NAS) forces of Gen. Thomas Cirilo Sawaka has displaced 116 citizens.
The County Commissioner, Charles Data Bullen confirmed that residents were assaulted , property including food, motorcycles, and water pump machines looted during the attack, which occurred in Arimbe village, Lujule Payam, on Sunday morning.
“The displaced people currently lack shelter and food, and are taking refuge at the Lujule Payam Headquarters,” Data stated.
the commissioner clarified that while no fatalities were reported, three individuals sustained injuries and are receiving treatment at Morobo County Hospital.
“No one was killed or severely injured; they simply attacked and looted people’s assets,” Data said. “Our government forces attempted to pursue them, but were unable to locate their base, only their resting areas and cooking sites.”
Commissioner Data asserted that NAS forces operate primarily from the Democratic Republic of Congo, posing as refugees and conducting hit-and-run operations against civilians in Morobo County.
He highlighted the internal divisions within the NAS, which complicate efforts to engage in peace and reconciliation talks.
Morobo County, one of six counties in Central Equatoria State, has suffered significant destruction, loss of life, and displacement as a result of the 2016 conflict, with thousands fleeing to refugee camps in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Commissioner expressed concern that the recent armed incursions by NAS forces have instilled fear among the local population.
“They are mobile NAS forces who informed civilians of their intent to attack government forces, urging them to evacuate the area,” he explained. “They masquerade as refugees in Congo, then cross into South Sudan-Morobo to kill, loot, and torture innocent people, retreating to the refugee camps when our forces respond. They lack established bases in Morobo County.”
He added that past efforts to build trust between the South Sudan Defense Forces and civilians have been undermined by the NAS factionalism, hindering peace negotiations.
Despite ongoing attacks, Commissioner Data reported that some NAS members have surrendered and are awaiting integration into the national army at training camps.
He emphasized that many of the remaining NAS elements causing disruption are known to local residents, stressing the need for continued engagement with holdout groups to achieve lasting peace.
However, NAS is yet to issue a statement of claims regarding Sunday’s attack in the county.