Terchuong’s return: An armed past, new fight against crime, insecurity in Unity State

By Matik Kueth

For years, the name Terchuong has been closely associated with armed conflict in Unity State.

Terchuong is a Nuer word meaning “fighting for what’s right.” Estimated to have more than 1,000 members, it emerged during the 2013 conflict in South Sudan as an armed youth force backing the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) against SPLA-IO forces.

The group played a significant role in supporting government forces in Mayom and other parts of Unity State, helping the government regain control of areas held by opposition forces.

However, Terchuong’s role changed in 2024 when the former Governor of Unity State, Riek Biem Top, disbanded the group amid allegations of abuses linked to its operations.

In response to continual insecurity and criminality, Governor of Unity State, Dr. Joseph Manytuil, ordered the reformation of Terchuong following his reappointment this year in April, bringing the group back into operation with a renewed focus on supporting security efforts.

Now back in operation, its leaders argued that its absence left some communities more vulnerable to criminality, cattle raids and inter-communal violence.

Terchuong’s leader, Manyruor Bol, said they have returned with a different mission: to fight crime, prevent cattle raids and help protect civilians.

“We as Terchuong we are here for peace, we are not here to mistreat people “You South Sudanese, there are people who said Terchuong are robbers, but those who say that didn’t really understand our role. All we need is that South Sudanese don’t kill themselves or raid each other,” Ruai said.

Bol Clip 1……

He explained that their relationship with the government dated back to the 2013 conflict.

“In 2013, we stood with President Kiir and Dr. Joseph Nguen. We fought alongside the government forces. Throughout this period, we have been operating within Unity State to prevent these armed criminals from going to raid cattle in Warrap and those who have been raiding cattle from Arabs,” he narrated.

Bol Clip 2………

Another Terchuong leader, Bamoun Thikuey, stated that the group’s return should not be interpreted as a continuation of past political and military divisions, noting that its members are committed to working for peace and security among communities.

“We, the armed youth of Mayom, nothing will happen again. As the president has told Dr. Nguen that you go back to Unity State and let my Terchuong continue to operate. For us, we don’t hate each other; we love each other. It’s the previous state leadership that disbanded us,” he stated.

Thikuey Clip 1…….

For residents, the group’s return has brought a sense of relief.

Nyekuola Yieth, a resident of Mankien stressed that Terchuong’s return has brought relief but urges the group to protect civilians and avoid abuses.

“Since Terchuong came back, we have seen some relief because people want peace and security in our communities. But we also want them to protect civilians and make sure they refrain from abuses. Their responsibility should be to protect the people,” she underlined.

Yieth Clip 1…….

Local authorities said they have already seen changes since Terchuong’s return.

Mayom County Commissioner, John Bol Mayak, noted that the group was reconstituted in response to insecurity and crimes involving armed youth in the area.

“Terchuong was reconstituted due to the insecurity in Mayom and crimes committed by armed youth in the neighboring areas. We really appreciate the great role played by Terchuong,” he stressed.

Mayak Clip 1……..

According to Mayak, the period following Terchuong’s disbandment was marked by unresolved killings and community feuds.

He says the security situation has improved since the group returned.

“After they were disband, more than 300 cases of unresolved criminal death were unresolved because there’s a lot of feud in the area. Since their reformation, Mayom and the neighboring areas are now calm. No more cattle raid reports. They are doing well,” he added.

Mayak Clip 2……

The group’s reformation is also linked to what its leaders describe as the security consequences that followed its disbandment.

Bol argued that Terchuong could have helped prevent some of the violence witnessed in Abiemnom County of the Ruweng Administrative Area (RRA) in March, where more than 200 people were reportedly killed.

He reaffirmed the group’s commitment to working closely with the government.

“All the things that have happened in Mayom and all the borders of Mayom and Abiemnom were attacked and overrun. Even us, we were disbanded and being hunted. If it was the way we used to operate as Terchuong, those who died in Abiemnom wouldn’t have died. We would have stood with the government forces in Mayom,” he stated.

He added, “As we have come back, we will work with the government of South Sudan closely every day. Where there’s an attack on civilians, we will run to that particular area to prevent further atrocities.”

Bol Clip 3……..

However, the group’s return is not without controversy.

Terchuong has previously faced allegations of abuses during its years of armed activity. Its leaders rubbished the claims, saying their objective is to prevent communities from turning against one another and to stop cattle raids and other forms of violence.