Gen. Edward Mabenge declared the statement following a grenade attack in his compound on Wednesday night

By Emmanuel Mandella

In a statement released following a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) attack on his residence, Tombura County Commissioner Gen. Mabenge Mathew Edward has vowed to wear military attire until peace is fully restored in the region.

The attack, which occurred on Wednesday midnight, narrowly missed the commissioner, leaving his home damaged but sparing his life.

In an exclusive interview with The City Review from Tombura on Thursday morning, Gen. Mabenge described the incident as a targeted assassination attempt.

“This is the second time such an attack has occurred. It is clear that there is a deliberate plot to eliminate me before Christmas and the New Year. We know who is behind this, and they will not succeed,” the commissioner revealed.

However, despite the threats to his life, Gen. Mabenge stated his resolve to his mission.

“I will wear military attire until peace is restored in Tombura County, this uniform symbolizes my solidarity with the soldiers protecting both the Zande and Balanda communities. I will not rest until the violence ends and our people live in unity,” he declared.

Meanwhile Lt. John Tindu Baptist, Deputy Chief Inspector of Police in Tombura, confirmed the RPG strike on the commissioner’s residence and noted the severity of the situation in Tombura.

“Criminals are behind these attacks, and our investigations are ongoing, but the instability in Tombura County requires immediate attention from the state government,” Lt. Baptist stated.

He further warned that the crisis was not merely tribal but politically motivated.

“This is not a fight between the Zande and Balanda communities. It is fueled by politicians manipulating the situation for their own gain. The government must deploy forces to protect the people, and we urge the communities to reject violence and embrace peace,” he said.

The instability in Tombura has had dire consequences, with schools closed, thousands displaced, and essential services disrupted. Community members fear the violence is spiraling out of control.

“We need decisive action to bring lasting peace to Tombura County. These ongoing acts of violence are tearing our communities apart,” said an anonymous resident from Tombura.

Tombura’s insecurity dates back to 2021, shortly after the formation of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGONU). Initially political, the violence escalated into inter-communal clashes between the Zande and Balanda, resulting in displacement of thousands of civilians, casualties and abductions; the kidnapping of a Catholic priest and his driver being the latest high profiled case this year.

Efforts to restore order have seen limited success. In May, over 150 soldiers under Maj. Gen. James Akech of SSPDF Division 6 carried out a disarmament operation across Tombura, Ezo, and Nagero Counties, confiscating more than 1,000 firearms and other weapons. Despite these efforts, violence continues to plague the region.

Meanwhile, civil society leaders have voiced their frustration over the slugging intervention. Edmond Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), recently accused the national and state governments of complacency.

“The silence from our leaders suggests they are complicit in the bloodshed. This is unacceptable, and immediate action is needed,” Yakani said earlier this month.

Meanwhile, Gen. Mabenge is committed to continuing his drive to forestall peace and unity in the region.

“I stand with my people in this battle for peace. We will not give up, and together, we will overcome this darkness,” he declared.

The people of Tombura, weary from years of conflict, are now looking to the government and local leaders to work jointly to bring lasting peace in the region.