By Matik Kueth
On Tuesday, residents of Adok Port in Leer County, Unity State, expressed growing fear and uncertainty amid rising tensions between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO).
The situation has sparked concern over a possible military confrontation that could severely impact civilians in the area.
The fears intensified after a 24-hour advisory from the UN Coordination Office warned humanitarian aid workers not to travel to Adok Port, citing escalating tensions between the two rival forces.
According to local sources, the standoff is rooted in a dispute over control of river access and alleged blockades of boats and barges along the Nile River by SPLA-IO forces, claim the group strongly denies.
Duop Khar, a resident of Adok Port, voiced his concerns about the deteriorating situation.
He said the SSPDF reportedly attempted to deploy troops in Adok Port, a strategic riverine location long held by the SPLA-IO since the civil war erupted in 2013.
“The current situation of ours has become very difficult for us here in Adok Port as the residents because when we heard that there was ongoing tension between the two forces,” Khar said.
He added, “They want to take control of Adok, and they want to know the movement of boats in the River Nile. They are saying there’s mistreatment of boats’ captains that usually travel from Juba to Upper Nile State and Unity State.”
The rising tension, fueled by social media reports, has left many residents living in fear.
“When we hear such news from social media, we fear for our lives because this time is for peace and not for war. “Even some residents are not sleeping at night because they expect an air strike to bombard Adok Port. I’m appealing to the unity government to resolve their differences in good ways, not go back to war again,” he stated.
Nyawich Gatjiath, another resident of Adok Port, echoed Khar’s sentiments, saying the fear aggravated because there are reports that the SSPDF is planning to attack SPLA-IO base in the Adok moorage.
“Now we are not in good condition. The reason why we are saying this is because we hear different news about our area. Now the community is almost ready to leave the area for unknown locations due to fears being spread on social media by both parties,” she lamented.
Kerbino Yai Pazale, Deputy SPLA-IO Spokesperson in Unity State, acknowledged the heightened fears among residents after a military document circulated last week outlining a plan to target three locations, two in Upper Nile State and one in Unity State, specifically Adok moorage.
He stated that their ties with the SSPDF on the ground are solid, despite the SSPDF’s intention to attack with alleged claims of barge blockage.
“We are really preparing for our self-defense if they come to attack us in our positions. But our relationship with SSPDF on the ground is fine. We are working together with them here. It’s not the first time SSPDF to accuse us of blocking boats and barges along the River Nile,” he stressed.
However, when contacted by King Media, Taker Riak Dong, the Leer County Commissioner, refuted any plans for military action in Adok Port, noting that the SPLA-IO forces at the moorage are doing their activities and facing no impediments.
“There is no plan to attack SPLA-IO. Those are just rumors. I didn’t hear anything bad about SPLA-IO or SSPDF. Nothing is going on between the IO and the government. We are here peacefully. We are still doing well. People have been moving from Leer to Adok. There’s no problem,” he noted.