Juba Statement Signals Government Confidence
JUBA — South Sudan’s newly appointed Minister of Public Service and Human Resources Development, Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth, says President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s administration remains in full command as fighting intensifies in several areas.
In a statement dated January 22, Gatkuoth rejected assertions that opposition forces could remove the government, portraying the state as stable and operational despite heightened military tensions.
Major Cities ‘Remain Secure’, Minister Says
Gatkuoth said key urban centres, including Juba and Bor, are secure, disputing opposition narratives of imminent breakthroughs into strategic towns.
“Bor, Juba, and all major cities of the Republic of South Sudan will not fall to rebels or to those who wish to destabilise our country,” Gatkuoth said, adding the government “is not collapsing and it is not going anywhere.”
SPLA-IO Claims Meet Official Pushback
His remarks followed SPLA-IO announcements claiming control of Waat, Yuai and Pajut in Upper Nile State, Narus County in Eastern Equatoria, and Panyume in Morobo County of Central Equatoria.
While some officials had earlier rejected reports of lost ground, Gatkuoth said those locations faced security challenges, describing the incidents as limited and contained.
Regional Control Framed as Largely Intact
Gatkuoth stated the government retains full control of Bahr el Ghazal, strong authority across most of Equatoria, and significant control in Upper Nile.
He characterised the situation in Unity and Upper Nile states as minor and said security forces are addressing it, while government institutions continue functioning.
Misinformation Concerns and Public Reassurance
Gatkuoth criticised some social media voices and diaspora commentators, accusing them of spreading fear through unverified reports of rebel advances.
“What is troubling is that these voices speak from far away, while it is ordinary South Sudanese who are encouraged to panic or be drawn into conflict,” he said, urging citizens to seek verified information.
Warning Against Incitement, Call for Peace Track
Reaffirming presidential authority, Gatkuoth warned that efforts to promote violence, rebellion, or misinformation would fail, insisting the state can protect national stability.
“The law will take its course, and the stability of the nation will be protected,” he said, while calling on armed opposition and holdout factions to abandon violence and join peace efforts.
Jonglei Build-up Raises Stakes Around Juba
The statement comes as military build-up and an expected offensive between the SPLA-IO and the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces intensify in Jonglei State, according to the account provided.
With rebel forces vowing to advance toward Juba, Gatkuoth’s message sought to project calm and continuity, arguing that the capital and other major towns remain protected.