The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) has denied a claim by the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLM-IO) that it captured a military outpost in Mundri West County, Western Equatoria State. According to SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, the opposition forces launched an "unprovoked" attack on the military outpost in Bari Boma, Kotobi Payam, early on Monday.
Maj. Gen. Lul said the SSPDF successfully repelled the attack, with two servicemen sustaining non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. He commended the servicemen for their defensive posture during the clash. However, the SPLA-IO claimed it was the victor, stating that its Division 9A, led by Lt. Gen. Alfred Futuyo Karaba, carried out the assault.
The opposition group did not provide casualty figures or details on its own losses during the clash. Independent verification of the rival claims could not be immediately confirmed, leaving it unclear which group currently controls the town. The incident is part of renewed clashes between government forces and SPLA-IO fighters in Western Equatoria.
Tensions in the region escalated after President Salva Kiir dismissed Lt. Gen. Futuyo as Western Equatoria governor in February 2025. Futuyo's return to armed opposition activity fueled renewed fighting between government troops and SPLA-IO forces. In September 2025, a joint force of SPLA-IO and National Salvation Front (NAS) fighters overran the Kadi’ba military base in Mundri.
The SSPDF later announced it recaptured the base on September 30, several days after it was seized. Insecurity in Western Equatoria State continues to impact both civilian movement and security personnel in Mundri West. Recently, at least three people, including a police officer and an SSPDF soldier, were killed in an ambush near Kotobi.
The latest outbreak of fighting occurs as South Sudan prepares for general elections scheduled for December 2026. The situation in Western Equatoria State remains volatile, with ongoing clashes and persistent insecurity affecting the region. The clashes have resulted in loss of life and raised concerns about the security situation.
The incident highlights the continued challenges in maintaining peace and stability in South Sudan, particularly in regions like Western Equatoria. The country has struggled with insecurity and conflict, despite the 2018 revitalised peace agreement.
Key points
- The SSPDF repelled an alleged SPLA-IO attack on a military outpost in Mundri West County, Western Equatoria State.
- The SPLA-IO claimed victory, stating it captured the military barracks during the clash.
- The incident is part of renewed clashes between government forces and SPLA-IO fighters in Western Equatoria.
