The Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) says its National Mobile Force and Division 2B have captured Kenyira Payam in Yei County, Central Equatoria State, in a development that could further alter the security situation in the area.
The forces are reportedly operating under the command of Gen. John Mabieh Gar and Taban Abudigin.
Speaking to The Nile Witness, Lam Paul Gabriel, spokesperson for the SPLA-IO, confirmed that the opposition forces had taken control of Kenyira Payam. However, Gabriel said the incident occurred yesterday, correcting earlier reports that the capture had taken place this morning.
The reported takeover comes amid continuing tensions between government and opposition forces in parts of Central Equatoria, where insecurity and armed confrontations have periodically disrupted civilian life and movement.
Gabriel reiterated the SPLA-IO’s commitment to peace, saying the opposition group remains committed to efforts aimed at resolving South Sudan’s conflict through peaceful means.
The circumstances surrounding the reported capture remain unclear. Claims that the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) suffered significant losses of weapons and military equipment during the incident could not be independently verified by The Nile Witness.
If confirmed, the reported loss of Kenyira Payam could have implications for the security situation in Yei County and surrounding areas, particularly for civilians living in or travelling through affected communities.
The SPLA-IO’s account provides limited details on the nature of the fighting, the number of forces involved, or whether there were casualties among combatants or civilians. It is also unclear whether government forces remain in the vicinity or whether the SPLA-IO has established sustained control of the payam.
Efforts by The Nile Witness to reach Luol Ruai Koang, spokesperson for the SSPDF, for the government forces’ account of the incident were unsuccessful.
The SSPDF has not, at the time of publication, publicly responded to the SPLA-IO’s claim of capturing Kenyira Payam.
The conflicting accounts and lack of independent verification mean that the full circumstances of the incident remain uncertain. Further information from the SSPDF, local authorities, residents, or independent sources could help establish what happened and the current security situation in Kenyira Payam.
For now, the reported capture adds to concerns over renewed military activity in Central Equatoria, while the SPLA-IO maintains that it remains committed to the peace process.