Gov’t disowns Gen. Olony over Jonglei inflammatory war remarks

JUBA — South Sudan’s government has publicly distanced itself from inflammatory remarks attributed to Lt. Gen. Johnson Olony Thabo regarding ongoing military operations in Jonglei State, saying his statements do not reflect official government policy or the conduct of the national armed forces.

Gen. Olony, a senior commander in the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), recently issued comments ordering troops in Jonglei to “spare no one, not even the elderly,” language that has sparked alarm among civil society groups and rights monitors amid renewed fighting in northern Jonglei.

“This time round, I told the Chief of Defence Forces yesterday, this will mark the end of problems in the Upper Nile region,” Olony was quoted as saying. “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.”

Speaking in Juba on Tuesday, Minister of Information and Government Spokesperson Ateny Wek Ateny said the comments should be treated as personal views and 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 SSPDF’s mandate is to protect South Sudan’s territorial integrity and safeguard civilians and their property, stressing that military operations underway in Jonglei are directed at armed groups and not non-combatants.

Addressing residents of Akobo, Nyirol and Uror counties who have fled to UNMISS protection sites due to insecurity, Ateny said the government considers conditions in parts of Jonglei to have improved and urged displaced civilians not to be drawn into hostilities.

“The government fully guarantees their safety and protection,” he said, cautioning civilians against being “caught up in crossfire.”

Ateny also assured the United Nations and humanitarian partners of full cooperation, particularly UNMISS, as it continues peacekeeping and humanitarian operations in conflict-affected areas.

He described the ongoing security operation in northern Jonglei as “lawful and necessary,” saying it aims to halt the advance of rebel forces, restore public order and protect civilians.

“The operation is not directed against innocent civilians, but against armed elements threatening peace and stability in the country,” he said.

The government further commended SSPDF forces for what it called their commitment to national duty, while stressing that Juba 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 the government’s commitment to implementing the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), calling it the cornerstone of lasting peace, and urged the SPLM/SPLA-IO to cease hostilities and adhere to the agreement.