Early Morning Ambush Near Maridi
At about 5 a.m., gunfire echoed across Monubu village, eight miles from Maridi town, as armed men believed to be SPLA-IO stormed a recently built SSPDF barracks.
Local officials later confirmed seven government soldiers dead and one wounded in the surprise assault that shattered a brief lull in Western Equatoria state.
Local Leadership Condemns Renewed Violence
Maridi County Commissioner Alfred Mirri denounced the attack, stressing that, ‘This country needs peace, and fighting will not bring development.’ He urged anyone with grievances to pursue dialogue rather than arms.
Security Patrol Caught Unprepared
Executive director John Ezikia explained the unit had been deployed only days earlier to safeguard the Maridi–Juba road after repeated incidents.
‘The unit was caught by surprise,’ he said. ‘Seven soldiers were killed, and one was injured.’ Attempts to reach SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang for comment went unanswered.
SPLA-IO Officials Seek Clarity
Mary Osman, SPLM-IO secretary in Western Equatoria, said her office had not yet received formal reports and would ‘coordinate with our structures to get the right details of what happened in Maridi this morning.’
Stalled Peace Deal Under Strain
The clashes underscore difficulties in implementing the 2018 revitalized peace accord, which envisaged a unified national army and elections in December 2026.
SPLM-IO leader and First Vice President Riek Machar remains under house arrest in Juba, while forces on the ground await integration, leaving communities fearful of further escalations.
Fragile Calm Faces New Test
Commissioner Mirri appeals to citizens and armed groups alike to restore calm, warning that sustained insecurity will hinder trade and basic services along the strategic Maridi–Juba corridor.
For now, Monubu villagers count the cost of yet another dawn ambush, unsure whether promised reforms will arrive before the next gunshot echoes through their fields.