Jonglei Fishing Islands Cleared Following Army, State Directives

(BOR COUNTY) – Rival youth groups from Twic East and Duk counties in Jonglei State have started leaving the disputed fishing islands following a 24 hour ultimatum from Governor Dr Riek Gai Kok, which expired on 31 October 2025.

The governor’s order, issued on 30 October, directed the commissioners of Twic East and Duk counties to ensure the immediate evacuation of youth groups occupying the contested areas of Biothagany, Lang, Paluat, Panom-Kwai, Sedaf, and Dong. The directive warned of administrative and legal consequences for any local authorities that failed to enforce it.

Governor Kok’s instruction followed an earlier 48-hour evacuation order by the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Paul Nang Majok, who had directed both communities to vacate the islands to allow for the deployment of national security forces. The army said it aimed to restore calm and secure the fish-rich islands, which have been the scene of repeated violence and competition over resources.

Twic East County Commissioner Juac Arok Juac confirmed on Sunday that the evacuation order had been carried out successfully. He said the people of Twic East had received the governor’s directive positively and cooperated fully for the sake of peace and safety.

“Following the governor’s order issued on 30 October, which aligns with the army chief’s instruction, the people of Twic East accepted and implemented it immediately,” Commissioner Juac said. “The contested areas of Lang and Biothagany, which have seen violent conflicts since 2023, have now been cleared. Other nearby areas such as Paluat, Dong, and Panom-Kuai, although not contested, were also vacated due to insecurity.”

Similarly, Duk County Commissioner John Chatim Ruei confirmed that youth from his county were also leaving the disputed sites. “The evacuation order has been received and is being implemented,” he said. “Our youth have been moving out of the contested areas.”

The disputed fishing islands along the Nile in Jonglei State have been flashpoints of inter-communal clashes for years, driven by disputes over access to fish, land, and traditional fishing routes. The latest conflict between Twic East and Duk youths has resulted in several deaths and destruction of property since early 2023.

Civil society groups have cautiously welcomed the government’s action. Bol Deng Bol, Executive Director of INTREPID South Sudan (ISS), said the evacuation order was a positive step but came too late to prevent earlier loss of lives and property.

“Unfortunately, many lives have already been lost, and properties destroyed because of the delay in government response,” he said. “However, it is good to appreciate the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) for finally intervening and ordering the evacuation to create space for peaceful dialogue between the aggrieved communities.”

Bol urged both Duk and Twic East youth to fully comply with the directive and encouraged the army to handle the operation carefully. “As we welcome this initiative, I appeal to both communities to respect the orders and to the army to safeguard civilian lives and property while occupying the fishing areas,” he added.

The fishing islands of Jonglei are among the most economically valuable areas in the state due to their abundant fish resources. Many local youth depend on fishing as a source of livelihood. Analysts believe that a peaceful settlement of the dispute could boost local trade, encourage community cooperation, and improve revenue collection for the state government.

Local leaders have called for continued dialogue, with mediation expected to be led by state authorities and traditional elders in the coming weeks. The Jonglei government has yet to announce when security forces will be fully deployed to secure the islands.