Warrap State Security Situation: SSPDF Accused of Fueling Tonj Conflict

• The security situation in Tonj North, Tonj East, and Tonj South counties has reached a critical point due to persistent communal violence.
• Some SSPDF personnel have been accused of returning to their home communities with military-issued weapons, fuelling the conflict.
• Previous efforts to restore peace in Warrap State have failed to yield lasting results, highlighting governance shortcomings and security risks.

The continued deterioration of security in Warrap State demands urgent parliamentary intervention.

The security situation across Tonj North, Tonj East, and Tonj South counties in Warrap State has reached a critical point, with persistent communal violence, revenge killings, cattle raiding, and a breakdown in governance and the rule of law. The state's capital, Kuajok, was attacked by unidentified armed groups linked to an ongoing dispute between the Leer and Noi communities on July 9, resulting in the deaths of 32 people. Similarly, clashes broke out among members of the Lou Paher community in Marial Lou Payam on July 24, leaving at least 24 people dead. These incidents are part of a larger trend of escalating violence in the region, with more than 108 people killed and over 100 injured between April and December 2025 in communal fighting involving the Lou Ariik community in Alabek Payam.

Some members of the South Sudan Peoples Defence Forces (SSPDF) have been accused of returning to their home communities with military-issued weapons, fuelling the communal violence. Specifically, personnel from Division 11 are alleged to have carried these weapons to defend relatives during local disputes, exacerbating the situation. This has raised concerns about the potential for further escalation and the need for urgent intervention to address the root causes of the conflict. The SSPDF's role in perpetuating the violence is a critical aspect of the crisis, with lawmakers calling for senior government officials to explain their response to the deteriorating security situation.

Previous efforts to restore peace in Warrap State have failed to yield lasting results. Security operations led by Division 11 Commander Maj. Gen. Juma Rehan and the establishment of a Special Court to prosecute crimes arising from the conflict have been criticized for their ineffectiveness. The implementation of the Special Courts decisions was suspended, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among community leaders and residents. A 70-year-old man was detained for four months without charge after being found carrying an appeal letter, and he was allegedly tortured while in detention at Kuajok National Security Prison. These incidents highlight the need for a more robust and effective approach to addressing the security crisis in Warrap State.

Lawyers and compliance officers should watch for the potential implications of this development on their clients' businesses operating in Warrap State, particularly with regards to security risks and potential liability for injuries or fatalities resulting from communal violence.

Source: Original reporting via [Source]