Badagbu Urged to Act as Tambura Crisis Grows

(TAMBURA) – A deadly ambush targeting government soldiers in Tambura County has heightened fears of insecurity and deepened the humanitarian crisis in Western Equatoria State. The attack took place on Friday as soldiers were returning to Mupoi after collecting their salaries in Tambura town.

Tambura County Commissioner Mathew Mabenge confirmed that two soldiers were killed and one wounded in the attack. The armed assailants reportedly fled with two motorcycles and escaped without suffering any known casualties. The identities and affiliations of the attackers remain unclear.

“There is heightened insecurity in Tambura County,” Mabenge told this outlet. “People are living in fear. They cannot even go to their farms for fear of being abducted. Many civilians are losing their lives,” he added.

The ambush comes amid ongoing threats from various armed groups operating in the area. According to the commissioner, forces affiliated with the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) have been observed near Lirangu and Nadiangere. Their presence, along with other unorganised groups, has forced civilians to flee from Source-Yubu and Mupoi into Tambura town.

In response to the escalating violence, Western Equatoria State authorities deployed security forces last week to stabilise Tambura town. Acting Governor Daniel Badagbu authorised the deployment, which has reportedly brought some calm to the county headquarters. However, surrounding villages remain vulnerable and under threat.

Since South Sudan’s Independence Day on 9 July, at least 29 civilians have reportedly been killed or abducted in various parts of Tambura County. The situation has overwhelmed local authorities and humanitarian responders.

“The situation is serious. We need more troops and urgent humanitarian aid because the people fleeing to Tambura need food, medicine and shelter materials. This is beyond our capacity,” Mabenge stressed.

Although the acting governor had promised in his Independence Day address to temporarily relocate his office to Tambura, he has not yet done so. A security team was dispatched in advance of his expected arrival, which is now scheduled for the coming days. His delegation is expected to include members of parliament and top security officials.

Badagbu’s pledge to move his office to the conflict affected area was initially welcomed by many residents as a strong leadership gesture. The delay in implementing the move, however, has raised concern among locals who are urgently calling for visible government presence.

Commissioner Mabenge acknowledged the support provided by national leaders such as the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Jemma Nunu Kumba, who has made food donations to support displaced families in the area.

Despite ongoing assistance, the commissioner insisted that a long term solution is urgently required. He called on the armed groups to put down their weapons and participate in peaceful political processes.

“They should stop inciting violence and let the people decide in the 2026 elections who should lead them. That is how we can stop the killings,” Mabenge said.

Impact of Insecurity in Tambura County (July 2025)