AYOD – An advocacy group has called on South Sudan government to urgently intervene and initiate constructive dialogue with controversial spiritual leader Makuach Tut, to halt his ongoing mission to unleash violence in Upper Nile State.
The Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA) said in a statement on Monday that the government must intervene to “initiate peaceful and constructive dialogue” with Makuach to prevent further escalation and instability in Upper Nile and Jonglei states.
CPA Executive Director Ter Manyang said he received credible reports that Prophet Makuach has moved from Mogok Payam in Ayod County and is advancing toward Pigi County, with indications of continued movement towards Malakal in Upper Nile State.
“The government of South Sudan has a moral obligation to promote peace and stability through dialogue, mediation, and negotiation—especially when citizens express legitimate concerns about governance,” said Ter Manyang.
Video footage posted on social media on August 30, shows Makuach endorsing and blessing the White Army’s plan to take over Malakal town, in a move that could jeopardize an already volatile security situation in the region.
Violence in many parts of South Sudan, escalated in March 2025 due to an aggressive military deployment by the SSPDF and SPLA-IO troops mobilization, which sparked an attack by a Nuer militia known as the “White Army” on an SSPDF garrison in Nassir.
This led to widespread displacement, killings, and political crises, including the detention of senior SPLM/A-IO leaders and the house arrest of Riek Machar.