(TWIC EAST COUNTY) – The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) has issued firm directives ordering armed civilians and rival groups to vacate disputed fishing grounds and return to their homes in Warrap and Jonglei States, as part of new efforts to curb insecurity and restore local stability.
The order, dated 30 October 2025, was issued by General Dr. Paul Nang Majok, the Chief of Defence Forces, and made public through the SSPDF Directorate of Media and Press. The statement, signed by army spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, gave communities and armed groups in both states strict deadlines to comply or face disciplinary action.
According to the directive, residents of Tonj East County in Warrap State have been instructed to return immediately to their Payams with their cattle and to stop all unnecessary armed movements between Bomas and counties. The Chief of Defence described these movements as a major trigger for insecurity and violence across the region.
The SSPDF also directed armed youth to hand over all weapons to local authorities without delay. The army warned that anyone found in possession of firearms or defying the order would face punitive measures under military supervision.
In Jonglei State, the SSPDF gave a 48-hour ultimatum to groups occupying the Buooth-Agany fishing site, also known locally as Toc, in Twic East County. The directive ordered the groups to vacate the fishing grounds and return to their respective Payams and villages.
According to the army, the evacuation aims to prevent renewed clashes between rival clans disputing ownership and fishing rights in the area. Once cleared, the SSPDF plans to deploy security forces to secure the site and maintain peace among local communities.
The statement warned that no movement or fishing activity would be allowed in the area after the deadline. The army said any individuals or groups who defy the order will face disciplinary measures and possible arrest.
Fishing sites across Jonglei and Warrap States have long been a source of tension, often intertwined with cattle related disputes and local territorial claims. The Buooth-Agany Toc is considered one of the most productive traditional fishing zones, supporting hundreds of livelihoods during the dry season.
However, increasing competition over fishing rights, combined with the presence of armed youth groups, has led to frequent outbreaks of violence, disrupting trade and food production in the area.
An SSPDF source at Bilpam Headquarters told Jakony.com® that the directive forms part of a wider plan to stabilise community conflicts linked to natural resources, including water points and grazing lands. The source added that the army’s involvement aims to restore local authority control and prevent further displacement of civilians.
The SSPDF reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring compliance and maintaining order in the affected areas. The statement concluded that all measures being undertaken are part of the government’s broader peace and security strategy to support local economies and ensure safe access to fishing and farming zones across the country.
Summary of SSPDF Directives
| State | County | Area Concerned | Directive | Deadline | Responsible Authority |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warrap | Tonj East | All Payams | Residents to return home and hand over firearms | Immediate | SSPDF, Local Authorities |
| Jonglei | Twic East | Buooth-Agany Fishing Site (Toc) | Evacuate area and return to villages | 48 hours | SSPDF |
The order was officially issued from the SSPDF General Headquarters in Bilpam, Juba, and signed by Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang on behalf of the Chief of Defence Forces.
The directive is expected to ease tension in the fishing zones ahead of the coming dry season, when fishing activity traditionally increases, creating both economic opportunity and local disputes.
