South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"

By Simon Deng
The Minister of Information and Communication for Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA), Jacob Werchum Juok, has urged both the Jonglei State authorities and national transitional government to amicably resolve heightened tensions between youth from the two neighboring areas.
“We heard of mobilization going on there in Jonglei, we only alerted our people about the threat that is coming, and also prepare the other side to talk to their youth if possible,” said Juok in an interview with The Dawn.
“We have advised our youth not to resort to violence. This war has no benefit at all to the youths. So as a government of that side (Jonglei), let them play their role to talk to the youths so that they don’t mobilize themselves and fight our youth,” he added.
Juok revealed that youth from Akobo and Duk Counties are mobilizing to attack GPAA.
Armed youth from the two areas have been engaged in cattle rustling, child abduction and revenge killings since 2011.
“The issue of cattle raiding and child abduction has become also one of the reasons that makes people to fight, if possible let them also assist us to de-escalate this tension among the communities of greater Jonglei and Greater Pibor,” said Juok.
Puok Nyang Tutjiek, the Commissioner of Akobo County, denied that Lou Nuer youth are involved in the mobilization to attack the Murle community in GPAA.
“Lou Nuer youth have never mobilized to attack Greater Pibor Administrative Area, and youth are doing their normal business without any plan to attack any territory anywhere, but are vigilant to deter any imminent threats to the civilians, properties and territories,” said Tutjiek.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on December 17, 2024 called on authorities in Jonglei State and Greater Pibor Administrative Area to redouble efforts to reduce tensions between youth from both sides.
Nicholas Haysom, the UN Secretary-General’s special representative for South Sudan and head of UNMISS, said immediate and targeted interventions by authorities and communities are needed to ensure clashes do not erupt.