Fresh tensions have been reported in Western Equatoria State after opposition forces accused the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) of attacking their cantonment sites.

SPLA-IO spokesperson in the state, Major Costa Joseph Aburida, told Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday that SSPDF soldiers launched assaults on August 24 at Bari in Mundri East County and at Kubri Su, about 45 kilometers from Yambio Town.

According to Aburida, one SPLA-IO soldier was killed during the clashes, but opposition forces repelled the attack and retained control of the sites.

“This is a clear violation of the peace agreement. We lost one person, but our cantonment areas remain firmly under our control,” he said, stressing that the SPLA-IO is only engaged in defensive operations.

He appealed to the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) and peace guarantors to intervene, warning that such incidents undermine the peace process. Aburida also condemned what he termed as ongoing violations, including the continued detention of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, the removal of former Western Equatoria Governor Gen. Alfred Futuyo Karaba, and the looting of his property.

Mundri West County Commissioner Zelpha Dawa confirmed hearing about clashes but said details remain unclear. “Yes, there was an issue in the forest, but so far there are no details. It has not reached the level of displacement or injuries,” she said.

Efforts to obtain a comment from SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang were unsuccessful.

The incident adds to growing concerns over the fragility of South Sudan’s peace agreement and the need for urgent intervention to prevent further escalation.