Tension as assailants target SSPDF, Tombura County Commissioner’s residence
Tombura County Commissioner Mabenge Mathew detailed the incident, describing how the attackers, armed with heavy weapons, stormed the area for the second time in two days.
By Emmanuel Mandella
Authorities in Tombura County have confirmed an attack by unidentified armed men targeting the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the residence of the county commissioner on Wednesday morning. The assault led to a heavy confrontation, though no injuries were reported on the SSPDF’s side.
Speaking to The City Review, Tombura County Commissioner Mabenge Mathew detailed the incident, describing how the attackers, armed with heavy weapons including RPGs and AK-47s, stormed the area for the second time in two days.
“Yesterday, unknown militias attacked Tombura market using heavy machines. Today, the same group targeted the SSPDF and my residence. Thanks to the bravery of the SSPDF and my bodyguards, we managed to repel the rebels and secure the area,” said the Commissioner.
Although no SSPDF personnel were injured, Mabenge confirmed that a few civilians sustained injuries while attempting to seek refuge at UNMISS Camp. “The injuries were not from bullets but occurred as civilians tried to enter through the fence during the chaos,” he clarified.
The commissioner revealed that reinforcements from Yambio are being deployed to Tombura to bolster security and protect the citizens. The SSPDF is reportedly pursuing the attackers to prevent further assaults.
Commissioner Mabenge pointed fingers at the SPLA-IO forces as the primary suspects behind the ongoing unrest in Tombura County. He emphasized that the conflict does not stem from local tribal tensions, asserting that the Azande and Balanda communities remain uninvolved.
“I call on the national government to urgently address this matter and ensure justice for the innocent souls who suffer daily,” Mabenge said, urging for a sustainable solution to the violence.
Reacting to the Tombura issue, civil society groups in Western Equatoria State condemned the escalating violence which has left civilians in fear.
“Incidents like this underscore the urgent need for robust national dialogue and reconciliation, the repeated attacks not only disrupt the peace but also hinder any meaningful development in the region,” said one representative from the Western Equatoria Civil Society Network in Tombura County.
She also called for increased government intervention, stating, “The government must prioritize the safety of citizens and deploy adequate resources to stabilize Tombura County. The people of Tombura deserve to live without fear.”
The Tombura conflict, marked by sporadic violence and armed confrontations, has become a symbol of South Sudan’s fragile peace. With reinforcements on the way and calls for justice growing louder, the people of Tombura hope for a lasting resolution to the turmoil that has marred their daily lives.