The announcement follows a recent attack on a South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) outpost in Jekow, allegedly carried out by armed youth at 5 a.m. on Thursday.
Gatkuoth claimed the assailants, comprising a small group of civilians and Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) soldiers, crossed into South Sudan from Ethiopia before being repelled by the SSPDF.
“The attackers came from the Ethiopian side but were swiftly driven back by our forces in Jekow,” Gatkuoth said in a statement.
He emphasised that the strong diplomatic ties between South Sudan and Ethiopia, led by President Salva Kiir Mayardit and Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed, respectively, would not be undermined by “criminal elements” operating along their shared border.
Gatkuoth, a polarising figure known for his 2016 claim that South Sudan’s economy was “booming” despite widespread economic hardship, vowed that both nations would jointly address the threat posed by the militia.
“We will not allow criminals to destabilise the brotherly and sisterly relations between our two countries. We will deal with these criminals jointly as two sisterly and brotherly countries,” he stated.
The diplomat urged local residents to refrain from supporting the White Army, warning that the militia’s actions could jeopardise their future.
“Those inciting these criminal activities are not helping you but trying to destroy you,” Gatkuoth said.
He called on communities in Maiwut County to isolate the militia and embrace peace, adding, “Normal citizens must remain peaceful and ensure those sponsoring violence are sidelined.”
Tensions between the White Army and the SSPDF have persisted for years, exacerbated by the militia’s alleged ties to the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO), led by detained opposition figure Riek Machar.
The conflict traces back to a deadly incident in Nasir County, where the White Army overran an army barracks, killing Major General Majur Dak and 27 soldiers during a United Nations evacuation operation in early March.
Gatkuoth’s remarks signal a potential escalation in efforts to curb militia activity in the volatile border region, raising concerns about further violence in an already fragile area.
