By William Madouk
South Sudan’s government has distanced itself from recent statements attributed to Lt. Gen. Johnson Olony Thabo, saying they do not reflect official policy, as security operations continue in parts of Jonglei State.
Three days ago, Gen. Johnson Olony made an inflammatory remark saying to the forces in Jonglei State to “spare no one, not even the elderly,” comments that triggered serious concern among observers and rights monitors.
“This time round, I told the Chief of Defense Forces yesterday, this will mark the end of problems in the Upper Nile region,” Olony said.
“When we arrive there, don’t spare the elderly, don’t spare a chicken, don’t spare a house and anything. We are tired of problems every year until we have gotten old in problems.”
However, speaking in Juba on Tuesday, the Minister of Information and Government Spokesperson, Ateny Wek Ateny, said the comments linked to Lt. Gen. Olony should be treated as personal views, not the position of the government.
“The recent statements attributed to Lt. Gen. Johnson Olony Thabo do not represent the policy and the position of the Government of the Republic of South Sudan and should be treated as such,” Ateny said.
He reiterated that the mandate of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) is to protect the country’s territorial integrity and safeguard the lives and property of civilians.
Addressing residents of Akobo, Nyirol and Uror counties who fled to UNMISS protection sites due to insecurity, the government spokesperson said conditions had improved and urged civilians not to be drawn into fighting.
“The government fully guarantees their safety and protection,” Ateny said, adding that those displaced should avoid being “caught up in a crossfire.”
Ateny also assured the United Nations and humanitarian partners of full cooperation, particularly UNMISS, as it carries out peacekeeping and humanitarian work in conflict-affected areas of Jonglei.
He described the ongoing security operation in northern Jonglei as “lawful and necessary,” saying it aims to stop the advance of rebel forces, restore public order and protect civilians.
“The operation is not directed against innocent civilians, but rather against the armed elements threatening peace and stability in the country,” he said.
The government commended SSPDF forces for what it called their commitment to national duty, while stressing that it remains committed to peace and dialogue.
“The Government of the Republic of South Sudan remains firmly committed to peace, dialogue and the protection of all civilians,” Ateny said, urging all parties to exercise restraint and prioritise national unity.
He reaffirmed Juba’s commitment to fully implement the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), describing it as the cornerstone for lasting peace.
In this regard, the government called on the SPLM/SPLA-IO to immediately cease hostilities and adhere to “both the letter and the spirit” of the peace agreement.