By Deng Ghai Deng
The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to heavily armed youth reportedly advancing from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) towards Jonglei State, warning of possible military action if the group fails to disperse.
According to a letter dated April 10, 2025, and seen by this publication, Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang stated that the SSPDF’s Aerial Surveillance Unit has, over the past three days, detected large columns of armed youth mobilizing toward Jonglei. Intelligence gathered by covert combat operatives indicates that several unspecified locations in the southern and eastern parts of the state may be targeted.
“In line with our constitutional mandate to protect the people and their properties against unwarranted and wanton destruction, SSPDF command strongly warns the armed youth to halt their march and disperse within 24 hours,” wrote Maj. Gen. Koang.
He emphasized that failure to comply would prompt the SSPDF to deploy all necessary military capabilities to pre-empt and prevent any large-scale attacks.