The Eastern Equatoria State Government has confirmed clashes in the Nakeke gold mining area of Kapoeta South County, stating that the security situation is gradually normalising. Caretaker Minister of Information and Telecommunications Akileo Mboya Peter Anyanga said authorities are engaging local communities to restore calm following violence that killed soldiers and civilians and wounded several others. The government had deployed security forces to address a series of armed attacks, road ambushes, and criminal activities around the mining area.
Minister Mboya said the government is particularly concerned about insecurity along the Kapoeta-Ngauro road, which has been affected by attacks and blockages. He accused armed individuals of attacking travellers, looting vehicles, and disrupting economic activities in the area. On September 18, 2026, two people were killed after 12 motorcycle riders were allegedly attacked along the road. A subsequent attack on a government delegation visiting Nakeke on October 21 left a bodyguard wounded.
According to Minister Mboya, further violence along the road resulted in the wounding of a Chinese national and a driver, the looting and burning of a vehicle, and attacks on security forces deployed to reopen the road. Two soldiers were killed and several others wounded during the confrontation. The government’s intervention aims to restore security and ensure that mining activities are conducted within the law.
However, the opposition National Salvation Front (NAS) has challenged the government’s account, accusing government forces of launching a reprisal attack against Toposa youth in the mining area. NAS claimed that about 600 South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) soldiers were deployed from Juba to Nakeke on October 31. The clashes allegedly resulted in dozens of military casualties, destroyed vehicles, and the deaths of several civilians.
NAS spokesperson Suba Samuel Manase condemned the excessive use of force against the Toposa community and called for an independent investigation into alleged human rights violations. The opposition group also appealed to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to intervene and help protect civilians in the affected area.
Eunice Nakwar, chairperson of the Toposa Women’s Association, expressed concern that the violence had left residents unsettled and appealed for time for affected families to recover before further dialogue. The clashes have raised fresh concerns over civilian protection, the conduct of security forces, and unresolved disputes surrounding artisanal gold mining in Kapoeta South County.
The Kapoeta-Ngauro road remains a security concern, with the state government saying efforts are underway to reopen it through engagement with local communities. The government is urging community members to resolve grievances through peaceful dialogue rather than armed confrontations.
Key points
- The clashes resulted in an unknown number of civilian and military casualties.
- The government deployed security forces to restore law and order in the area.
- The opposition NAS accused government forces of launching a reprisal attack against Toposa youth.
