BOR – Youths from the Ayual and Hol communities in South Sudan’s Jonglei State have begun withdrawing from contested areas in Twic East and Duk counties following evacuation orders issued by Governor Riek Gai Kok and the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Paul Nang.
The directive, dated October 30, 2025, instructed county officials in both Duk and Twic East to “immediately inform and evacuate all youth currently gathered” in Bouthagany, Lang, Paluat, Panom-Kwai, Sedaf, and Dong.
Governor Riek stressed that the order “takes immediate effect,” warning that any delay or non-compliance would attract “serious administrative and legal consequences.”
The governor also directed security forces to coordinate with community leaders to ensure the evacuation was conducted swiftly and peacefully.
“Security forces must coordinate with local authorities and community leaders to ensure this order is executed with no further delay,” the directive stated.
The decision followed renewed tensions between youth from the two counties after a series of violent clashes over land and fishing rights.
The state government raised concerns that the continued presence of armed youth in disputed locations could ignite further violence.
Governor Riek further ordered that situation reports be submitted to his office within 24 hours of the directive’s implementation.
Speaking to Sudans Post on Monday, Twic East County Commissioner Juach Arok Juach said the evacuation was proceeding smoothly and in full compliance with the directive.
“The youth from Twic East have evacuated the area before the deadline given by the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Paul Nyang,” Juach said. “Our youth have always been ready for peace and are prepared to engage in dialogue with their counterparts from Duk.”
He added that the Ayual community remains committed to peace efforts and has consistently shown a willingness to resolve disputes through dialogue.
“Youths from Twic East are ever ready for peace talks. They are the ones being attacked every time in their places,” he added.
Similarly, Duk County Commissioner John Chatim Ruei confirmed that Hol youth were also leaving the contested areas in line with the governor’s orders.
“The evacuation order has been received, and it is being implemented. Our youth have been vacating the contested areas,” Chatim said.
In a separate statement, SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang announced that security forces had issued an additional evacuation notice to residents of Buoth-Agany and surrounding areas, instructing them to return to their respective villages or payams within 48 hours.
The SSPDF said the move aims to de-escalate tensions and prevent further clashes between rival groups disputing ownership of the fishing site.
The army warned that once the grace period expires, movement in the area will be restricted and punitive action will be taken against anyone who defies the order.
Security forces are expected to deploy immediately after the evacuation to maintain peace and stability in the affected areas.
In late October, the SSPDF launched aerial bombardment in Tonj East County of Warrap State in an aggressive move aimed at forcefully disarming armed youth.
The bombing came less than one month after SSPDF Chief of Defence Forces General Paul Nang Majok, issued a 21-day ultimatum to armed youth, including Jonglei State’s Red Belt, to integrate into the national army or prepare to be forcibly disarmed.
