JUBA – The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) have reportedly restored control of Libogo and Lasu payams in Yei River County following attacks by opposition forces last week, claimed the Government of Central Equatoria State.
The development comes after the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) and the National Salvation Front (NAS) issued a joint statement last week, claiming to have captured the two strategic areas in coordinated operations.
Addressing reporters in Juba on Tuesday after a meeting of the State Security Committee, the Central Equatoria State Acting Minister of Information and Communication, Jacob Aligo Lo-Lado, dismissed the opposition claims, insisting that government forces had repelled the attacks and maintained their positions.
“On the morning of 16 August, joint forces of SPLM/A-IO and NAS launched coordinated attacks on Lasu and Libogo. Our forces, the SSPDF, responded swiftly, repelled the attackers, and stabilised the security situation in both areas,” Aligo said.
The Minister said the fighting had raised concerns for civilians in surrounding areas but assured residents that normalcy was gradually returning.
“The SSPDF remains in control of both towns and is committed to protecting civilians and preventing further escalation,” he added.
The clashes underline ongoing instability in Yei and surrounding counties, where multiple armed groups have continued to challenge state authority despite the 2018 peace agreement.
Holdout forces have maintained a strong presence in parts of Central Equatoria, mounting sporadic attacks that complicate peace implementation and civilian safety.
Aligo also pointed to other pressing security and humanitarian issues in the state, noting that incursions by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) into Kajo-Keji County last month displaced approximately 16,000 people, who are now sheltering in six locations across the county. “This has created a serious humanitarian crisis that requires urgent attention,” he said.
The Minister further raised concerns over renewed activity by holdout groups in Morobo County and highlighted rising cases of land grabbing and other crimes in Juba.
Reaffirming the government’s stance, he said the State Security Committee, chaired by Governor Rabi Mujung Emmanuel, had directed security organs to prioritize civilian protection, enforce the rule of law, and work towards restoring lasting stability in the state.
