The government of Central Equatoria State says Panyume in Morobo County remains under full control of government security forces, despite claims by the opposition SPLA-IO that it had captured the area after clashes early on Tuesday.
The state government made the announcement in a statement issued by the office of Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony following a routine security meeting chaired by the governor. The meeting was held after reports of an early morning attack by forces allied to the SPLA-IO.
The SPLA-IO had earlier claimed it captured the area after launching the attack.
However, according to the state Security Committee, the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) have successfully restored control of the area. Residents were urged to remain calm as the situation continues to be closely monitored.
The state Security Committee also resolved to intensify efforts to remove illegal checkpoints across the state and strengthen monitoring of cattle herders’ movements to prevent farmer-herder related conflicts.
Security organs were also directed to sustain operations against criminal gangs operating in major towns, including Juba and Yei River Counties.
In another development, the Mayor of Juba City Council and the Commissioner of Juba County were instructed to reorganize markets, reopen blocked roads, and continue city cleaning campaigns aimed at modernizing Juba in line with international standards.
Additionally, the Commissioner of Juba County, in coordination with the State Ministry of Housing, Land and Public Utilities, was tasked to ensure effective implementation of land allocation processes, including showing plots to their rightful owners, as part of measures to address persistent land grabbing concerns.
The meeting concluded with a strong appeal to the public to disregard what the Committee described as propaganda by anti-peace elements, calling on residents to remain calm and continue with their normal daily activities.