GPAA condemns Jonglei raids, rejects ethnic framing of violence

PIBOR – The Government of the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) has strongly condemned recent attacks on villages in Jonglei State, describing the incidents as criminal acts and cautioning against interpreting the violence along ethnic lines.

Jonglei State authorities recently reported a series of cattle raids, including an attack in Baidit Payam on Tuesday, allegedly carried out by raiders believed to have come from GPAA. The reports sparked renewed tensions between the neighbouring regions, which have a history of intercommunal conflict linked to cattle rustling.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, GPAA’s Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology expressed “deep concern and disappointment” over the reported attacks on the villages of Duk and Baidit in Jonglei State.

Minister Jacob Werchum Juok emphasised that the incidents were criminal in nature and did not represent the will or position of the people of GPAA.

“These acts of violence should not be viewed through an ethnic lens,” Werchum said, warning that politicising or ethnicizing the attacks would only inflame tensions and undermine efforts toward peace.

According to GPAA authorities, insecurity in the region is being fueled by what they described as an unidentified criminal group operating across multiple areas. The group, they said, has been causing instability not only in Jonglei but also within Greater Pibor and surrounding communities.

“Our region is facing a threat from an unidentified group of criminals who are causing havoc not only in Jonglei but also in Greater Pibor and neighbouring communities,” Werchum stated.

The administration said investigations into the incidents are already underway and pledged to hold those responsible accountable. Werchum revealed that three suspects directly linked to the Duk incident have been arrested.

Under the leadership of Chief Administrator Gola Boyoi Gola, the GPAA government reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing peace initiatives and confidence-building measures with neighbouring states. Officials stressed that sustainable peace can only be achieved through coordinated action and cooperation.

“Lasting peace and security can only be achieved through cooperation, collaboration, and coordinated action,” Werchum said, urging Jonglei authorities and communities to remain calm as investigations continue.

The GPAA government also appealed to the national government to strengthen law enforcement capacities in both GPAA and Jonglei State, saying enhanced security support is essential to effectively combat cross-border crime and prevent further violence.

The statement comes amid rising concerns over recurring cattle raids and retaliatory attacks, which continue to threaten fragile stability in parts of eastern South Sudan.