By Yiep Joseph and Manas James
Chief Administrator of Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA), Peter Guzulu Maze, has refuted reports of armed youth mobilization in the area.
His denial came after South Sudan Defense Force (SSPDF) Spokesperson, Maj Gen Lul Ruai Koang, stated on Thursday that army surveillance had detected armed youth marching towards Jonglei State.
In response, the SSPDF issued a 24-hour ultimatum ordering the armed youth to cease their advance.
Reacting to the SSPDF’s order, Peter Guzulu Maze, the GPAA Chief Administrator, denied any planned attack by Pibor youth on neighboring communities, particularly those in Jonglei.
“First of all, we have cholera in the area and nobody can mobilize at this time, second, we have a dry season, the area now is too dry, we do not have any mobilization,” Guzulu said.
Guzulu urged the SSPDF and its spokesperson to further verify the information provided by the surveillance team, suggesting it might originate from another area.
“We do not have any mobilization of armed youth in the area, so Maj Gen Lul Ruai should verify his reports very clearly,” he emphasized.
The Chief Administrator further revealed that the roads between Jonglei State and the GPAA, which had been closed previously, are now open, facilitating the movement of people and goods between the two states.
“We have the road open now between Pibor and Jonglei; vehicles are moving, and as leaders, we are committed to peace,” he affirmed.
Guzulu reiterated that as part of ongoing efforts to build peace between Greater Pibor and bordering communities, the leadership continues to engage youth to prevent attacks and mobilization.
“There were some armed youths who wanted to go to Kapoeta, but we managed to bring them back. This is part of the peace campaign we are conducting,” he disclosed.
He added, “Now there is peace and reconciliation between Toposa and Murle, Anyuak and Murle, so we do not have any insecurity for now, and we hope things will continue to improve, and we are progressing well.”
Guzulu emphasized that the leadership in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area remains committed to the recent peace agreement signed in Juba with Jonglei State.
Bol Deng Bol, an executive director of INTREPID South Sudan (ISS) and a civil society leader, expressed concern over the situation, highlighting the potential for escalation in the already precarious political climate.
“We know that such warnings can lead escalation. We therefore appeal for dialogue,” he stated.
He further noted, “If this mobilization had indeed occurred, it would be unprecedented. Attacks and counterattacks have been ongoing, but what has hindered resolution is the lack of resources available to the governments in both regions to address these issues.”
Earlier this year, political leaders from South Sudan’s Jonglei State and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) signed an agreement aimed at ending the cycle of intercommunal violence in the region.