NYIROL/UROR – The Government-appointed Commissioner of Nyirol County in Jonglei State has confirmed that Riang Payam is now under the full control of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), following military operations conducted on Monday.
James Bol Makuei stated that Riang Payam, which had previously been under the control of the SPLM-IO, was successfully recaptured by government forces loyal to the SPLM-IG. The statement described the operation as successful and said the situation in the area was now fully under control.
The statement said the county leadership strongly condemned the actions of SPLM-IO forces and warned civilians against associating with or supporting them. The statement further advised civilians to evacuate areas still occupied by SPLM-IO elements for their own safety.
The commissioner’s office emphasized that the government would not tolerate politically motivated activities that threaten peace and stability, while reiterating that the SPLM-IG has no intention of harming civilians.
However, the statement warned that firm action would be taken against individuals or groups undermining the government or violating the peace agreement.
Meanwhile, the SPLA-IO spokesperson Col. Lam Paul Gabriel, said Pathai Payam in neighboring Uror County “peacefully fell” to SPLA-IO forces after SSPDF troops withdrew from their base on Monday afternoon.
Lam claimed that SSPDF forces were granted safe passage following their withdrawal and praised the move as a peaceful gesture. He also called on other SSPDF soldiers to lay down their arms or withdraw to avoid further bloodshed.
In the same statement, the SPLA-IO accused former Nyirol County Commissioner Hon. Bol Makuei of commanding SSPDF forces to attack the SPLA-IO base in Riang Payam earlier in the day. The SPLA-IO claimed its forces repulsed the attack, resulting in multiple casualties among the attackers.
There was no immediate comment from SSPDF spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang.
