SSPDF Soldiers Ambushed, Disarmed by Civilians in Tonj East,No Injuries Reported. ‎

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SSPDF

‎In a startling incident on Tuesday, a group of 13 South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF) soldiers was ambushed by armed civilians near Ngap-Agok in Tonj East County, Warrap State. 

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‎The soldiers, who were traveling in a Land Cruiser, were intercepted but managed to return safely to their barracks reportedly without their weapons.

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‎Warrap State Information Minister James Ayiek Bath confirmed the attack, though he assured the public that no injuries were reported during the encounter. 

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‎The circumstances under which the soldiers lost their weapons remain unclear, but the incident has stirred fresh concerns about lawlessness and the continued proliferation of arms among civilians in the region.

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‎A History of Tension

‎This is not the first time Tonj East has made headlines due to clashes between government forces and armed civilians. The area has long been marked by sporadic outbreaks of violence, often fueled by local grievances, cattle raids, and resistance to disarmament efforts.

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‎In 2020, a government led disarmament campaign turned deadly when local youths resisted SSPDF operations, leading to a series of confrontations that left dozens dead. 

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‎The mistrust between communities and state forces has persisted since then, and the latest ambush may be a reflection of unresolved tensions and a fragile peace.

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‎The Bigger Picture

‎This event underscores the broader challenge South Sudan faces in building trust between security forces and local populations. 

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‎Despite years of efforts to collect illegal arms and restore order in restive regions, armed civilian groups continue to operate with impunity in several parts of the country.

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‎Local leaders and national authorities will need to act swiftly not only to recover the missing weapons but also to engage with communities to address the root causes of such hostility. 

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‎Without meaningful reconciliation and dialogue, Warrap State risks sliding further into instability.