Payinjiar County Condemns Deadly Attack, Accuses SSPDF and Armed Youths
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By Sasuk Taban
Authorities in Payinjiar County, Unity State, have condemned what they described as a coordinated attack on civilians and SPLA-IO positions, alleging that forces from the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and armed youth from Yirol East and Rumbek Centre counties in Lakes State were responsible.
In a press statement issued by the Office of the County Commissioner, the Payinjiar County administration claimed that the attackers targeted areas near Reldeng, about an hour from Pachak Payam, where fighting later intensified.
According to the statement, local armed youth confronted the attackers and repelled them beyond Payinjiar County. The county administration further alleged that the attackers intended to seize land in the area for permanent settlement and livestock grazing.
The statement claimed that 12 attackers were killed during the clashes and that two PKM machine guns were captured. It also alleged that 11 children and one girl, aged between 8 and 16, were abducted from a fishing camp but later escaped when fighting broke out. These claims have not been independently verified.
Payinjiar County authorities accused the SSPDF and armed youth from Lakes State of violating the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement and committing serious human rights abuses.
The administration extended condolences to families affected by the violence and warned that continued attacks could provoke further retaliation, while reaffirming its commitment to defending the county and its residents.
The statement also called on the Lakes State government to respect established geographical boundaries and avoid what it described as territorial encroachment.
In addition, the county authorities appealed to regional and international peace partners to take urgent measures to restore security, protect civilians, and prevent further escalation of violence.
The press release was signed by Hon. Col. Stephen Gai Riak Gak, Commissioner of Payinjiar County.
Editor’s Note: The allegations contained in this story are based on a statement issued by Payinjiar County authorities aligned with the SPLM/A-IO. The SSPDF and the Government of South Sudan had not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of publication, and the reported casualty figures and other claims could not be independently verified.
