SPLA-IO spokesperson in Western Equatoria State, emphasized that the SPLA-IO has no soldiers or officers in Tombura County and accused other forces of perpetuating the unrest.

By Emmanuel Mandella

The Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) has strongly refuted allegations linking its forces to the recent violence in Tombura County.

In one-on-one interview with The City Review, Major Costa Joseph, the SPLA-IO spokesperson in Western Equatoria State, emphasized that the SPLA-IO has no soldiers or officers in Tombura County and accused other forces of perpetuating the unrest.

“First of all, I have been following all the incidents in Tombura. It is not because everything happens there that fingers should be pointed at the SPLA-IO. Let me make it clear to the public that we are not involved in any crisis in Tombura,” Major Costa said.

He clarified that SPLA-IO forces in Western Equatoria are stationed in containment areas in Nagero, Mundri, Kediba, and Yambio, awaiting further training and integration into the unified forces under the Revitalized Peace Agreement.

“All our forces are in containment areas in Namutina and Zomoi near Boo bridge, and we have no presence in Tombura town,” he stated.

Major Costa accused some other forces for contributing to the insecurity in Tombura.

The SPLA-IO spokesperson also highlighted the presence of multiple armed groups in Tombura, which he argued has created confusion and lawlessness in the area.

“Tombura has different forces. We don’t even know who is commanding whom. This situation is causing insecurity,” he explained.

Tombura County has been grappling with inter-communal violence, including reported killings, property destruction, and displacement of civilians. The presence of various armed groups and unclear command structures have exacerbated the crisis.

Some local leaders and officials have frequently blamed the SPLA-IO for the violence, a claim Major Costa vehemently denies.

“If anyone claims that SPLA-IO is involved, let them arrest the individuals responsible and prove their affiliation. It is not enough to make accusations in the media,” he said.

Reaffirming the SPLA-IO’s commitment to the peace process, Major Costa said the group remains loyal to the Revitalized Peace Agreement and called for unity among South Sudanese.

“We are promoting peace because we want it to prevail in South Sudan, not only in Western Equatoria but beyond. Our forces are for unity, not criminal activities,” he affirmed.

He also addressed misconceptions about the SPLA-IO’s relationship with the Governor of Western Equatoria State, Lt. Gen. Alfred Futuyo, clarifying that the governor, a former SPLA-IO member, is now a politician and not involved in military operations.

“Governor Futuyo is not a sector commander. He is a politician. For us soldiers, we have no issue of tribalism. Our commanders come from different tribes,” he said.

Major Costa called for accountability and a unified command structure to stabilize Tombura County, as he urged stakeholders to address the root causes of the violence and avoid baseless accusations that further divide communities.

“We need peace in Tombura. Let us choose one person to lead, not have multiple commanders and forces creating chaos,” he concluded.

The situation in Tombura remains volatile, with urgent calls for dialogue, accountability, and reconciliation to maintain cohesion and unity in the region, even as the country walks a path of peace and economic building through the ongoing Tumaini Peace Initiative, among other processes.

Meanwhile, peace monitor, the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), has called for prompt unification of forces into one unit, under one command.

“The political process for the unification of the second command echelon has not yet been concluded,” said RJMEC Interim chairperson, Maj Gen Charles Tai Gituai, during his recent briefing to the National Parliament.