Predawn Skirmish Rocks Kapoeta
At 04:00 on Thursday, gunfire rattled the quiet streets of Kapoeta, Eastern Equatoria State. Governor Louis Lobong reported that suspected Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition combatants opened fire on the National Security Service base, disrupting the town’s pre-dawn calm.
Conflicting Injury Counts
Lobong said five officers were wounded and rushed to Kapoeta Civil Hospital. Medical director Dr. Kherbino Awad later stated that nine security personnel arrived, adding, “Six are stable, but one sustained a critical head wound.” Local administrator Juma Justin confirmed no fatalities.
Pursuit of Armed Assailants
Security forces chased the attackers toward the Singata River yet encountered an ambush that compounded casualties. Authorities believe about nine suspects fled into surrounding bushland. “We are on their trail,” Lobong assured reporters, noting that calm has since returned to the town.
Civil Society Appeals for Calm
Morris John Peter of civil group SPIDO condemned the violence, saying, “People should be calling for peace, not causing havoc.” His remarks echoed wider citizen fatigue with intermittent flare-ups that undermine efforts to rebuild trust after years of conflict.
Political Undercurrents
The shoot-out arrives amid heightened tension between the national army and SPLA-IO. First Vice President Riek Machar, who leads the group, has remained under house arrest in Juba since 26 March over earlier unrest in Nasir County, casting a shadow over the 2018 peace accord.