SSPDF Forces Mass Near Yuai Amid Rising Tensions with SPLA-IO

Published on January 11, 2026 at 3:24 PM
  • January 11, 2026 | UROR/DUK.
    Jonglei State
    Tensions are escalating in northern Jonglei State as South Sudan People’s Defence Forces
    (SSPDF) reportedly mobilize near Yuai town, which fell to opposition forces earlier this month.
    Local officials warn of an imminent confrontation between SSPDF and the Sudan People’s
    Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO), raising fears of renewed violence in the region.
    Yuai, located in Uror County, was captured by SPLA-IO fighters loyal to detained First Vice
    President Riek Machar on January 2 following intense clashes that forced thousands of civilians
    to flee. The town now stands deserted, with residents seeking refuge in surrounding villages
    such as Panyok, Koat, Pamai, Wek, Juet, Wanlith, Pabuong, and Pakuiu.
    “There is tension between the two rival forces of SPLA-IO in Yuai and SSPDF in Pajut. Several
    more SSPDF soldiers have arrived in Pajut, sparking tensions, but we don’t know when they will
    confront each other,” said Majiok Chop, Uror County’s information director. “What is clear is that
    the town is deserted because of imminent fighting, but since Friday there have been no
    airstrikes.”
    Duk County Commissioner John Ruei assured that his county remains calm under SSPDF
    presence in Pajut and Gadiang. “What caused fears initially was the withdrawal of SSPDF
    soldiers from Yuai. However, our security is now good with the presence of SSPDF soldiers in
    Pajut and Gadiang, assuring residents of safety,” Ruei said. He added, “Our problem is hunger
    facing more than 10,000 internally displaced persons, the majority of whom fled from Uror.”
    Meanwhile, SPLA-IO commander Major General John Luk Bayak reaffirmed the group’s control
    over Uror and Nyirol counties and pledged not to target civilians. “We intend to impose a regime
    change after failed efforts to implement the 2018 peace deal,” Luk stated. He dismissed
    allegations of an order to seize NGO vehicles as a forgery, saying: “My signature was forged by
    government loyalists in Walgak and we are still investigating this. So I would like to tell the
    public that I didn’t issue such an order.”
    He further emphasized SPLA-IO’s stance toward humanitarian actors: “I have been operating in
    Jonglei for years protecting NGOs, and even recently we urged that NGOs provide assistance
    to SSPDF prisoners of war. So we cannot target them again.”
    Violence in northern Jonglei has surged since late December, with SPLA-IO forces recently
    capturing Waat and Yuai from SSPDF. The latest developments underscore the fragility of
    South Sudan’s peace process and the urgent need for humanitarian assistance to displaced
    communities.

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