BOR — Jonglei State Caretaker Governor, Maj. Gen. Moses Majok Gatluak Thou, on Sunday called on the forces of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) to withdraw from Pieri and Motot, accusing them of advancing into areas under government control and threatening ongoing peace efforts in Northern Jonglei.
In a statement issued by the Office of the Caretaker Governor, the governor urged the forces to exercise restraint, remain in their previous positions, and allow peaceful dialogue to continue.
“The Office of the Caretaker Governor therefore calls on SPLM/A-IO forces to immediately withdraw from those areas (Pieri and Motot) and return to where they previously stayed to allow the peaceful process to proceed without further disruption,” read part of the statement seen by Sudans Post on Sunday.
The appeal followed the governor’s reception event, during which he called on SPLM/A-IO forces to stay in their respective areas while efforts to resolve the tensions through dialogue were pursued.
The governor’s office alleged that the forces had moved into Pieri and Motot, warning that the reported advances could undermine the initiative and threaten efforts to restore peace and stability in the region.
“This call was made to protect civilians, prevent further insecurity, and create an enabling environment for dialogue,” it said.
“Instead, SPLM/A-IO forces try to exploit this resonates initiative by invading Pieri and Motot areas, which are under government control. This may undermine the governor’s call for dialogue and threaten ongoing peace efforts.”
The office called on SPLA-IO forces to immediately withdraw from the two areas and return to their previous positions to allow the peace process to proceed without further disruption.
It also urged the forces to halt further military advances and prioritize the safety and protection of civilians amid continued tensions in Northern Jonglei.
“The Caretaker Governor of Jonglei State remains firmly committed to resolving the situation through dialogue. It urges SPLM/A-IO forces to exercise restraint, halt further military advances, and prioritize the safety and protection of civilians.”
It emphasized the need to respect peaceful dialogue, avoid military escalation, and ensure that civilian lives remain a priority.
“Peaceful dialogue must be respected, military escalation must be avoided, and civilian lives must remain our collective priority,” it said.
“The government further appealed to political leaders, community representatives, and other stakeholders to support the peace process and work collectively towards lasting peace and stability in Northern Jonglei.”
The governor’s office did not provide further details about the reported movements of SPLM/A-IO forces in the two areas.