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| Civiliand fleeing Lakama'di |
Mundri East, Western Equatoria.
Hundreds of civilians have fled Lakama’di area in Mundri East County after the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) launched a major operation to flush out rebel fighters believed to be operating in the region.
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Local sources told Radio Tamazuj that the deployment triggered panic among residents, who fled into the nearby bush following gunfire and heavy shelling on Sunday.
“The entire Lakama’di area is empty. Only soldiers are there now. Civilians have all escaped because of the fighting,” said a local chief who requested anonymity for security reasons.
The clashes reportedly erupted in Bitti before spreading toward the center of Lakama’di as SSPDF forces advanced against fighters from the National Salvation Front (NAS) and elements of the SPLA-IO.
Government Response
Mundri East County Commissioner John Henry Ngalamu confirmed the military operation but dismissed claims that civilians were targeted or harmed during the pursuit.
“The SSPDF are government and professional forces. Their mission is to protect people, not to harm them,” Ngalamu said.
“We are urging those who fled to return to their homes because calm has been restored.”
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However, witnesses insist sporadic gunfire and shelling caused widespread fear, forcing families to flee with few belongings.
Police and Security Reactions
Western Equatoria State Police Commissioner Maj. Gen. Phillip Madut Tong said his office had not yet received an official report from Mundri East but assured that security agencies are monitoring the situation closely to prevent further displacement.
Attempts by reporters to reach SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, as well as representatives from NAS and SPLA-IO, were unsuccessful.
Background
The Mundri corridor has witnessed repeated skirmishes in recent months between government forces and NAS rebels, disrupting farming activities and worsening humanitarian conditions. Local leaders have repeatedly appealed for a peaceful resolution and humanitarian access to affected areas.
What’s Next
Displaced residents remain in hiding, awaiting assurances of safety before returning home. Observers say the latest clashes highlight ongoing fragility in Western Equatoria despite years of peace efforts.
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