By Philip Buda Ladu
South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) has issued an order demanding the immediate and unconditional release of all barges and boats reportedly hijacked by SPLA-IO fighters and the White Army.
The vessels were hijacked in Fangak and Leer Counties of Jonglei and Unity States, respectively.
The order, issued by SSPDF Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, followed what the military describes as “reliable and credible intelligence” and complaints from various entities, including the United Nations and a Sudanese businessman.
According to the SSPDF statement, several vessels, including one belonging to the UN and another owned by a Sudanese businessman, were hijacked.
In the order seen by No.1 citizen Daily Newspaper yesterday, the SSPDF further detailed mass hijackings at Adok Baar Port, where eight boats transporting passengers and assorted commercial goods were commandeered.
The army spokesperson stated that these actions constitute “blatant violations” of the rights of passengers and business owners.
Passengers on the hijacked boats were allegedly ordered to disembark and left to find their own way to their destinations.
In more severe cases, Gen. Lul stated that commandeered boats had their cargo offloaded, and passengers along with crew members were reportedly held hostage.
The SSPDF claims that the hijackers have been demanding ransom payments ranging from SSP 10,000,000 to $50,000 USD, depending on various unspecified factors.
The SSPDF condemned these illegal actions, stating that they have “seriously and negatively disrupted river transportations” and are “tantamount to piracy.”
In response to the reported incidents and the resulting disruptions, the SSPDF Chief of Defense Forces, Gen. Dr. Paul Majok Nang, issued a firm order for the immediate and unconditional release of all hijacked barges and boats.
The statement explicitly warned that failure to comply with this operational order will result in “punitive aerial and riverine actions” by the SSPDF.
This strong directive from the SSPDF underlined the escalating security concerns in Jonglei and Unity States and highlights the potential for further military engagement if the demands are not met.
The allegations of attacks on UN assets and the disruption of commercial activities are likely to draw significant national and international attention.