A substantial deployment of South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) troops has gathered in Baidit Payam, Bor County, Jonglei State, as preparations intensify for a potential push into northern Jonglei amid escalating clashes with Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) units.
The assembled forces include personnel from multiple divisions—Division 3 (headquartered in Wunyiik, Northern Bahr el Ghazal State), Division 5 (based in Wau, Western Bahr el Ghazal State), and Division 12 (from Lakes State)—according to security sources.
Chief of Defense Forces Gen. Paul Nang Majok, currently in Jonglei State to supervise operations, spoke to the troops on Wednesday after SSPDF lost control of a position in Pajut, Duk County, on January 16.
SPLA-IO elements in Jonglei and elsewhere have issued threats to march on Bor and even Juba, blaming the breakdown of the 2018 peace agreement and the ongoing detention of their leader, Dr. Riek Machar.
Addressing soldiers in the Jalle area of Baidit Payam, Gen. Nang directed them to ready for movement toward Duk County to bolster National Security Service (NSS) units stationed in Poktap, situated just a few kilometers from Pajut.
“We have brought you because we are facing a problem ahead of us. I have given you seven days only to finish it,” he declared, alluding to the confrontation with SPLA-IO fighters and their allied White Army youth militias.
Amid cheers from the troops, Gen. Nang asserted that the conflict in Jonglei would wrap up within a week, paving the way to redirect efforts toward the disarmament campaign in Warrap State.
He cautioned against permitting rebel advances through Bor, invoking the traumatic events of 1991 and 2013.
“This should not be allowed to happen again in 2026,” he emphasized. “The rebellion here should be ended and crushed.”
Senior security figures present included National Security Service Internal Security Bureau Director General Gen. Mawien Mawien Ariik and Inspector General of Police Gen. Saeed Chawul Lom.Tensions in Ayod County
In Ayod County, Jonglei State, anxiety is mounting over potential confrontations between SSPDF and SPLA-IO forces in Ayod town.
Ayod County Commissioner James Chuol Jiek inspected the SSPDF barracks, where soldiers remain on high alert due to concerns about an impending SPLA-IO assault.
Rejecting rumors that government troops might withdraw, Chuol insisted the situation would differ from recent overruns in Waat, Yuai, and Pajut.
“This base has committed officers,” he stated. “I came to check on them, and if fighting happens, you will find me here.”
Dressed in military uniform, Chuol affirmed that neither he nor division commander Gen. Tito Biel would desert the position, describing the troops as adequately armed and ready to hold Ayod.
“We are not going anywhere. This is our place,” he said. “People should ignore rumors that we are leaving. We are waiting for the criminals to come.”