By Matik Kueth
The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army in Opposition (SPLM/A-IO) has distanced itself from an alleged order directing the seizure of humanitarian vehicles in Jonglei State, calling the document a forgery and promising the return of any assets wrongfully taken.
In a statement extended to King Media on Thursday, January 8th, 2026, SPLM/A-IO spokesperson, Pal Mai Deng, clarified that the order circulating on social media, purportedly signed by Sector Three Commander Maj. Gen. John Luk Bayak was not authentic.
“The order was and is a forgery,” Mai said, adding that an internal investigation has been launched to identify those responsible.
Mai emphasized that Gen. Luk never authorized the confiscation of vehicles belonging to NGOs operating in the Jonglei–Equatoria front.
“Any vehicles taken without proper authority must be returned immediately,” he added.
The statement comes after reports that three NGO vehicles were seized in Walgak, Akobo County, by armed groups claiming to act on the forged directive.
Col. Lam Paul Gabriel, SPLM/A-IO’s spokesperson, described the incident as a “communication error” and said Acting Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Peter Thok Chuol Lual has pledged to resolve the matter swiftly, noting that those responsible will face accountability.
The clarification follows a joint statement led by the United States and supported by Canada, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, which labeled the alleged order a “flagrant violation of international humanitarian principles” and warned that any attempt to seize NGO assets endangers aid workers.
Humanitarian operations in Jonglei and across South Sudan remain highly precarious, with insecurity and armed conflict continuing to impede life-saving assistance.