By Correspondent and Emmanuel Mandella

The Government of Western Equatoria State has called for an immediate ceasefire of hostilities following escalating clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) in the Boo Bridge area.

This was resolved in a two-day security meeting in Yambio, and the State security committee highlighted deep concerns over the violence, urging SSPDF and SPLA-IO commanders to direct their forces to halt all movements and reconnaissance operations.

“This violence undermines the fragile peace we have fought to sustain. We call upon both parties to return to their current bases immediately, ensuring that no further aggression threatens the lives of civilians or hinders national reconciliation efforts,” said Elia Usini Domini, the Western Equatoria State Minister of Information and Communications.

Usini emphasized that peace partners, including Ceasefire & Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring & Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM), Joint Defense Board (JDB), and JMCC, must intensify their efforts to stabilize the region.

“We deeply appreciate the support from national and international peace bodies, but the need for decisive action has never been more urgent. Stability and lasting harmony depend on everyone playing their part,” he affirmed.

The government’s plea follows reports of deadly clashes in Nagero County, where some SPLA-IO soldiers were said to have been killed, and eight civilians wounded since January 10, 2025.

The violence displaced hundreds of families, forcing them to seek shelter in nearby bushes with limited access to food and clean water.

Speaking to The City Review, SPLA-IO Commander in Western Equatoria State, Gen. Simon Alisoromo confirmed the tragic losses and called for government intervention.

“We have lost soldiers, and civilians are caught in the crossfire. We are waiting in the cantonment for the unification process. The government must prioritize our safety and stop these confrontations,” Alisoromo stated.

On his part, Nagero County Commissioner, Henry Bangada said the SSPDF soldiers entered the area without notifying state officials, further straining relations.

“SSPDF’s uncoordinated deployment has already cost us lives. Civilians are now in hiding, struggling to survive,” the commissioner lamented, urging authorities to focus on peace implementation rather than military escalations.

However, SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang dismissed claims of SSPDF involvement, “Our troops are stationed for logistical reasons. Any accusations of aggression are unfounded.”

The ongoing violence threatens vital trade routes between Western Equatoria and Western Bahr El Ghazal.

The government insists that traffic must resume safely along the highway linking the two states and that displaced civilians allowed to return home without fear.

The clashes highlight persistent challenges in implementing the R-ARCSS, particularly the delayed graduation of unified forces. Experts warn that without clear coordination and trust between SSPDF and SPLA-IO, sporadic violence could derail the peace process.