Gen. Nang declares Jonglei’s Red Belt a rebel group

JUBA — The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) has officially designated the Jonglei-based Red Belt Movement as a rebel group, marking a sharp departure from its earlier status as a community vigilante force.

In a statement released Tuesday by SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, the army said the decision was made following a directive from the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Paul Nang Majok.

Gen. Majok ordered Lt. Gen. Kong Thou Kong, the Assistant Chief of Defence Forces for Operations, to treat the Red Belt Movement “like any other armed rebel groups fighting against the government and SSPDF in the country.”

According to the statement, the decision followed the seizure of a cache of weapons, military uniforms, and charms from a white van during a recently concluded joint disarmament exercise in Juba.

“The designation of the Red Belt Movement as a new rebel group came about because it had superseded the traditional roles of a normal vigilante group,” Maj. Gen. Koang said.

He explained that the group had developed “a level of organization and structure, resource mobilization capacity, and arms acquisition” beyond what is typical of community defense forces.

The movement had also adopted military ranks, uniforms, emblems, and slogans, and had expanded its area of operation, including establishing secret cells in Juba and other locations.

“These characteristics are crystal clear hallmarks of a rebel movement with political objectives,” the SSPDF statement noted.

The army said that as of Tuesday, October 28, 2025, the Red Belt Movement will be treated as an insurgent organization. Images and videos of the weapons and other materials confiscated from the group’s operatives in Juba were attached to the SSPDF’s communication through the spokesperson’s official Facebook page.

The Red Belt Movement emerged in Jonglei State and gained prominence this year, initially as a community self-defense group formed to protect civilians from cattle raids and local conflicts. However, the SSPDF now alleges the group has transformed into an organized armed movement with broader ambitions.

Authorities have not disclosed whether arrests were made during the recent disarmament operation, nor has the Red Belt Movement issued any response to the army’s declaration.