The Central Equatoria State Security Committee has reported a joint attack by forces from the SPLM-IO and the National Salvation Front (NAS) on Lasu Payam headquarters and Lebogo border points in Yei River County.
The report came during a weekly meeting chaired by Governor Rabi Mujung Emmanuel at the State Secretariat, the incident occurred on Saturday, 16 August 2025.
Speaking to the media following the meeting, Acting Minister of Information and Communication, Jacob Aligo Lo-Lado, confirmed that South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) responded to the assault, successfully repelling the attackers and restoring control in the affected areas.
He noted that security organs have since been deployed to maintain order, and civilians are returning to their homes.
“The security situation in Juba County remains relatively calm compared to other areas like Yei, Morobo, and Kajo-Keji, where tensions are still high,” Aligo stated.
In Morobo County, he said, holdout rebel groups continue to pose threats to villages, forcing many residents to flee across the border into the Democratic Republic of Congo out of fear for their safety.
Regarding Kajo-Keji, Aligo raised concerns over recent border violations by the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF), beginning on 28 July 2025.
These incursions have affected several parts of Central Equatoria, particularly Kajo-Keji County and Uganda’s Yumbe District.
According to Aligo, the cross-border tension has displaced around 16,000 people, who are now sheltering in six different locations within South Sudan. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has delivered emergency humanitarian aid, including food, to at least two of these locations.
Turning to the capital, Aligo expressed concern over rising insecurity in Juba and surrounding areas, citing an increase in armed robberies, motorcycle thefts, and the disappearance of boda-boda riders.
He also highlighted growing cases of illegal land grabbing in the areas of Hai Lokilili, Matangai, and Turrupi.
“Land is being unlawfully demarcated by individuals, despite these areas having already been designated by the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure. Legal landowners are being ignored. It is a troubling trend, and security forces have been instructed to take action to end these unlawful practices,” he said.
Additionally, Aligo warned of reports about movements of unidentified armed individuals along the Eastern Bank of the Nile.
Their presence has caused fear and panic among local residents. In response, the security committee has directed all forces to remain vigilant and ensure the safety of civilians and their property.