By Alan Clement
Calm has returned to Rumbek East after a confrontation between some youth and members of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) in Lakes State.
In an interview with this outlet, the Acting Minister of Information in Lakes State, William Koji said that the organized forces contained the situation without further escalation.
The minister revealed that the clash provoked by some criminals who resisted handing over raided cattle to law enforcement agency had left one suspected raider dead and five SSPDF officers injured.
Minister Koji highlighted that in an effort to reinforce security in the area and prevent further escalation of violence; state authorities have deployed additional forces. He added that the armed youths have since returned to their cattle camp.
He revealed that the county commissioner and the minister of local government have visited the area to assess the situation.
However, misinformation quickly fuelled chaos. Rumours spread that security forces had killed the cattle theft victim in his home, which, according to Minister Koji, was a false claim that provoked a group of armed youths to storm the police base in Pacong, to avenge their colleague.
Civil society has weighed in by raising an alarm over the rising insecurity in the area, with reports that armed youths are regrouping in cattle camps and surrounding villages.
Daniel Laat Kon, State Coordinator for the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), warned of potential revenge attacks.
“The area remains tense. The youths are alleged to be planning further attacks. Many have rearmed and are under the influence of alcohol, which adds to the risk of renewed violence,” Laat said.
He reiterated long-standing civil society calls for state-led disarmament, warning that the failure to address armed youth culture nationwide may drive broader instability. We urge authorities to implement the resolution to ban alcohol and begin peaceful disarmament.