SSPDF soldier collecting firewood abducted along CAR border

TAMBURA — A soldier of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) has reportedly been abducted by armed personnel from the Central African Republic (CAR) while collecting firewood near the border, triggering anxiety among residents of Source Yubu in Tambura County of Western Equatoria State.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, 27 January, along the porous South Sudan–CAR frontier. Local sources say the soldier crossed into a contested border zone to cut grass and gather firewood when he was seized by CAR forces.

Residents who spoke to Sudans Post on condition of anonymity cited security concerns and said the incident has heightened tension in an area already burdened by cross-border insecurity. According to one source, the SSPDF command in Source Yubu has since communicated with CAR authorities, calling for the immediate release of the detained soldier.

Community members fear the abduction could inflame fragile relations along the border, where civilians routinely cross to access farmland, firewood, and water sources. Many residents rely on these areas for daily survival, and the incident has prompted some to suspend farming and collection activities near the boundary.

Local resident Anthony Salvario confirmed the abduction, saying no additional casualties were reported. He urged CAR authorities to refrain from detaining South Sudanese soldiers or civilians operating near the border, warning that such incidents risk provoking wider confrontation between the two neighbouring states.

Tambura County Commissioner Mathew Mabenge said information related to the incident remains limited due to poor communication networks in the area, but assured that local authorities are working to verify details and engage relevant security actors. He said updates would be provided once confirmed reports are available.

Meanwhile, efforts by Sudans Post to reach the SSPDF commander in Source Yubu and the Police Commissioner, Maj. Gen. Phillip Madut Tong, were unsuccessful by press time.

The incident comes at a sensitive moment for Tambura County, which has recently received more than 5,000 refugees and returnees fleeing violence in the Central African Republic.

Most of the displaced are women, children, and elderly persons currently hosted by the Government of South Sudan, placing additional humanitarian strain on border communities.