Gen. Manyuant warns Maridi residents against celebrating removal of politicians

YAMBIO – The Commander of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) Division Six, Gen. Joseph Manyuant, has cautioned residents of Maridi County against celebrating the removal of political leaders from office, describing such actions as disrespectful and damaging to social cohesion.

Gen. Manyuant made the remarks on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, during the official welcoming ceremony of the newly appointed Maridi County Commissioner, Daniel Salah Balash. The event was held at Maridi Freedom Square and attended by residents, local leaders, and members of the organised forces.

Addressing the gathering, the Division Six Commander reflected on incidents that reportedly followed the removal of the former county commissioner, Miri Alfred, when some residents allegedly celebrated by riding motorcycles to his residence. He said such behaviour was unacceptable and should not be repeated.

“Politicians are only removed from the positions assigned to them. When someone is removed, the community should not celebrate because they are not removed from their political parties or their citizenship,” Gen. Manyuant told the crowd.

He emphasized that leaders who lose their official positions remain citizens with full constitutional rights, including the right to live peacefully within their communities.

“Everyone has the right to remain in their home and decide for themselves where to go. They remain South Sudanese,” he said.

Gen. Manyuant also called on the public to respect traditional authorities, noting that chiefs play a critical role in community leadership, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding.

“Chiefs must be respected by everyone. I respect them because they are leaders in our communities, and they deserve the cooperation of all,” he stated.

Turning to security concerns, the Division Six Commander raised alarm over the growing presence of Ambororo nomads in Maridi County and other parts of Western Equatoria State, saying the situation had become serious and required urgent attention.

“The issue of Ambororo in Maridi and Western Equatoria State is too much. We will not allow them to settle in this state,” he warned.

Gen. Manyuant further cautioned individuals allegedly communicating or coordinating with the nomads to advise them to leave, stressing that security forces, in collaboration with local authorities, would take decisive action.

“If there are people communicating with them, tell them to leave. We, the soldiers, together with chiefs and commissioners, will ensure they are out of this state,” he emphasised.

In his concluding remarks, Gen. Manyuant appealed to the youth and the wider community to work closely with the organised forces to safeguard peace and stability in Maridi County.

“Let us join hands with the organised forces in Maridi to improve security and maintain peace in the county,” he concluded.