Jonglei State Yuai: Tension and troop movements
Tensions are reported to be high in Yuai town, Uror County, Jonglei State, with local officials saying SSPDF soldiers positioned in Duk County are building up and could advance toward SPLA-IO locations. The account was shared on Saturday in remarks carried by Radio Tamazuj.
Yuai civilians flee after Jan. 2 fighting
Local officials say Yuai fell to opposition SPLA-IO fighters allied to detained First Vice President Riek Machar on Jan. 2, after intense fighting that pushed civilians to flee. The county information director, Majiok Chop, said the town is now empty of civilians.
Airstrikes, deserted streets, and a looming confrontation
Majiok Chop said both sides are preparing for a showdown over Yuai’s control, following a series of airstrikes. “There is tension between the two rival forces of SPLA-IO in Yuai and SSPDF in Pajut,” he said, adding that more SSPDF soldiers had arrived in Pajut.
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Displacement to nearby villages and worsening needs
According to Chop, most residents have dispersed into surrounding villages, including Panyok, Koat, Pamai, Wek, Juet, Wanlith, Pabuong, and Pakuiu. He described their circumstances as increasingly difficult, stressing that no civilians could be seen in Yuai and that conditions “remain dire.”
Duk County security narrative and the IDP food crisis
Duk County Commissioner John Ruei said his county was calm, arguing that the presence of SSPDF soldiers in Pajut and Gadiang reassured residents. He said fears had initially grown after SSPDF troops withdrew from Yuai.
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More than 10,000 displaced people face hunger
Commissioner Ruei also pointed to a humanitarian pressure point: hunger among more than 10,000 internally displaced persons, most of whom he said fled from Uror. His remarks framed food access as an immediate concern even as security arrangements are debated.
SPLA-IO claims firm control and offers civilian assurances
Major General John Luk Bayak, described as the overall SPLA-IO commander in Jonglei, said SPLA-IO control over Uror and Nyirol was firm. Speaking from Yuai, he said civilians would not be targeted as SPLA-IO advances, amid skepticism in Bor County linked to memories of 2013 violence.
NGO vehicle allegation denied by SPLA-IO commander
Gen. Luk also rejected an allegation that an order had been issued to seize vehicles belonging to NGOs operating in northern Jonglei. “My signature was forged by government loyalists in Walgak and we are still investigating this,” he said, adding he had worked in Jonglei “protecting NGOs.”
Northern Jonglei clashes widen as towns change hands
The report says violence has escalated in northern Jonglei since late December amid clashes between government forces and SPLA-IO fighters. It adds that SPLA-IO forces have recently captured the towns of Waat and Yuai in the greater Luo Nuer region from the SSPDF, deepening the uncertainty.