Clashes in Bor town as security forces confront ‘Red Belt’ militia

BOR — A gunfight erupted in the capital of South Sudan’s restive Jonglei State on Sunday, briefly paralyzing the main trading hub as security forces clashed with an armed youth group known locally as the Red Belt, authorities and witnesses said.

The incident occurred around 1:30 PM local time in the busy Marol Market in Bor town, causing widespread panic among residents who were gathered for shopping ahead of the festive season.

According to eyewitnesses, the gunshot was heard at approximately 1:30 PM, causing panic across the busy market where many people had gathered for early Christmas shopping. Shops briefly closed, and movement slowed as people sought safety.

“We heard a loud gunshot and everyone became scared. Some people ran inside their houses,” an eyewitness told reporters. “I saw three people who were injured being rushed to the hospital. I’m not sure if those are the only victims because the area was too congested.”

Bor County Commissioner Samuel Ateny Pech confirmed the incident to Sudans Post, attributing it to a clash between security personnel and members of the Red Belt, a youth group known in parts of Jonglei for occasional confrontations with authorities.

“Yes, there were gunshots reported about two hours ago. I spoke to security officers, and they said the shooting occurred during a confrontation between Red Belt members and security personnel in one of the hotels in Marol Market,” Commissioner Ateny said.

A security official separated said their team responded immediately and that investigations were underway to establish the cause, the number of casualties, and whether the situation was linked to broader instability.

“We are still gathering information, but there is no indication of a wider threat,” the spokesperson noted.

The Red Belt is an armed youth movement operating primarily in Jonglei’s Bor County, having emerged in recent years to fill a security void.

The group claims to be a community self-defense force, stating its primary mandate is to protect local villages and cattle from pervasive cattle raids and attacks by rival communities.

The name, according to statements from the group’s leadership, symbolizes a belt securing the people of Bor, who they say have been under attack.

However, their increasing organization, including wearing military-style uniforms and acquiring arms, has prompted alarm from the government.

The South Sudan army has declared the Red Belt to be an organized armed movement and a significant threat to national security.

The government accuses the group of evolving from a vigilante force into a criminal network involved in robbery, extortion, and ambushes against security forces.

The SSPDF has issued orders for the group to either integrate into the national army or face forcible disarmament, officially designating them as an illegal armed organization.

The incident comes as Bor authorities intensify efforts to strengthen security and restore public confidence following previous episodes of violence and criminal activity, underscoring the challenges the government faces in controlling armed, community-based groups.