Tambura County Incident Sparks Local Anxiety
TAMBURA — A South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) soldier was reportedly abducted by armed personnel from the Central African Republic (CAR) while collecting firewood near the border, residents in Source Yubu say. The report has increased anxiety in Tambura County, Western Equatoria State.
What Local Sources Say Happened at the Border
Local accounts say the incident happened on Tuesday, 27 January, along the porous South Sudan–CAR frontier. Sources told Sudans Post the soldier entered a contested border area to cut grass and gather firewood, and was seized by CAR forces.
Residents speaking anonymously cited security concerns. One source said the SSPDF command in Source Yubu communicated with CAR authorities, requesting the soldier’s immediate release.
Cross-Border Livelihoods and Rising Tensions
Community members said the case could strain already fragile relations in an area shaped by recurring cross-border insecurity. Civilians routinely cross the boundary for farmland, firewood and water, making access to these zones central to daily survival.
Some residents said the abduction has led people to pause farming and collection activities near the border. They described a cautious mood, driven by fear that further incidents could escalate local tensions.
Local Voices Call for Restraint and De-escalation
Local resident Anthony Salvario confirmed the abduction and said no additional casualties were reported. He urged CAR authorities not to detain South Sudanese soldiers or civilians operating near the border, arguing that such incidents could trigger broader confrontation between neighbours.
Authorities Seek Verification Amid Communication Gaps
Tambura County Commissioner Mathew Mabenge said details remain limited, citing weak communication networks in the area. He said local authorities are working to verify the reports and engage relevant security actors, with updates to follow once information is confirmed.
Sudans Post reported it could not reach the SSPDF commander in Source Yubu or the Police Commissioner, Maj. Gen. Phillip Madut Tong, by press time.
Refugee Inflows Add Humanitarian Pressure
The report comes as Tambura County hosts more than 5,000 refugees and returnees fleeing violence in CAR. Most of the displaced are women, children and elderly people, according to the same account.
Residents say the Government of South Sudan is hosting those arriving, adding humanitarian strain in border communities already managing insecurity concerns and livelihood disruptions.
Outlook for Border Coordination and Community Safety
With information still emerging, residents and local officials appear focused on verification and communication with security counterparts. Community members say a calm approach is essential to protect civilians who depend on cross-border resources, while authorities pursue the reported detainee’s release.