Gunfire erupted in Bor town on Sunday afternoon, sparking panic among residents after security forces moved to intercept what authorities described as a newly branded rebel group operating in the area.
The disturbance unfolded around Marol Market in the Jonglei State capital.
According to local officials, the security operation targeted suspected members of the Red Belt Movement — an armed vigilante group drawn from the Dinka Bor community that has recently fallen out with the government.
Jonglei State Minister of Local Government, Simon Hoth Duol said that security personnel were dispatched following community reports that members of the group had been sighted at the market.
“There was information that Red Belt members were seen in Marol Market, so security forces deployed and fired warning shots to disperse them,” Hoth said.
He noted that the group’s members are well known within the community and described the confrontation as an isolated event. He added that business resumed shortly afterward and urged the public to remain calm.
The minister did not confirm whether there were any injuries or fatalities.
But the gunfire caused widespread fear.
Achol, a resident of Bor who spoke to Radio Tamazuj, said: “We just heard gunshots and started running. Bor doesn’t feel safe; we are living in fear.”
Other sources in the town reported that the shooting began when security forces opened fire on Red Belt members — including their leader, Leek Mamer — at a restaurant in the market.
Edmund Yakani, executive director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), strongly condemned the incident, warning that the confrontation reflects deeper national tensions.
Yakani linked the violence to frustrations over South Sudan’s prolonged political deadlock. “The continued political stalemate, which is hurting the economy and people’s livelihoods, is pushing communities toward violent ways of trying to resolve it,” he said.
He called for urgent dialogue to promote civilian protection, stability and peace, saying the events in Bor were “a serious indicator of emerging threats to peace and security.”