The government of South Sudan has moved to reinforce security in Kediba Payam, Mundri East County of Western Equatoria State, following deadly clashes last week between forces of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO).
The fighting, which erupted after SPLM-IO launched an assault on an SSPDF base, forced hundreds of civilians to flee into nearby bushes and hills, leaving schools shuttered and essential services at a standstill.
Five days later, the scars of violence remain visible, with Kediba town largely deserted despite assurances of safety from local authorities.
Speaking to the City Review on Wednesday morning, Mundri East Commissioner Hon. John Henry Ngalamu said additional government troops were deployed not to target civilians but to restore calm and allow residents to return home.
“The forces are here to safeguard the community and stabilize the area. We urge our people to come back to their homes, open their schools, and continue with their daily lives activities,” Commissioner Ngalamu emphasized.
However, many displaced families remain skeptical. Reports of homes being burned during the clashes have deepened mistrust, although the commissioner denied that government troops were responsible.
“During hostilities, opposing armed groups can do anything, but our national forces are disciplined and cannot destroy civilian property,” he said firmly.
This is not the first time Kediba has been shaken by violence, according to the Commissioner Ngalamu, the county headquarters has yet to be fully reorganized as stipulated in the peace agreement. For now, administrative functions continue from Lui Payam, leaving Kediba in limbo.
“Every time there is an escalation, it is the ordinary citizens who pay the heaviest price. The local population is puzzled by the fighting despite the ceasefire. What they want is development, not another cycle of displacement,” the commissioner lamented.
The renewed insecurity has once again disrupted education, with all schools closed since last week’s attack. Health services have also ground to a halt, as medical workers fled alongside civilians.
The situation in Kediba reflects a troubling trend across South Sudan, where fragile ceasefires between peace partners continue to fray.
Recent weeks have seen similar clashes reported in Kapoeta, Eastern Equatoria, and in parts of Upper Nile State, raising fears that the violence could spread.
Analysts warn that the removal of former Western Equatoria governor General Alfred Futuyo and SPLM-IO figure has further fueled tensions in the state and across the country.
The resulting mistrust between local communities and rival forces has left civilians caught in the middle of political struggles.
Despite the uncertainty, authorities are urging patience and cooperation. Commissioner Ngalamu appealed to both peace partners to respect the agreement and give communities the peace they have long been waiting for.
“The war has destroyed our schools, clinics, and livelihoods. The people are tired. We want our children back in classrooms, we want markets open, and we want farmers back to their fields. This is what peace should look like for our people,” he said.
For now, Kediba remains under heavy military presence. Whether the deployment will usher in stability or deepen divisions depends on how both sides choose to act in the coming days.
