James Odhok, Governor of Upper Nile state - Credit: Eye Radio/Lou Nelson

The Governor of Upper Nile state has downplayed activist’s warnings of a planned attack on the Malakal Protection of Civilians site by militias.

His state comes a day after an activist raised concern over reports of a looming revenge attack by the White Army targeting the displaced persons.

However, the Governor of Upper Nile State, James Odhok downplayed the reports regarding them as rumours that followed the recent clash in the PoC.

He says the recent incident in the area was merely accidental and was caused by cattle raiders.

Governor Odhok says his government is fully prepared and equipped to respond to any form of attack, whether it is directed at the Civilian camp in Malakal or any parts of the state.

Speaking to Eye Radio from Malakal via telephone this morning, Governor Odhok described what happened on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, as an isolated incident caused by cattle raiders.

“The state has witnessed rumours by people trying to incite people inside the internal displacement camp and outside the state,” said Governor Odhok.

“The state government have put in place all arrangements and we are ready to confront anyone who wants to attack people inside the state or inside the United Nations camp of the displaced people.”

“They are cattle raiders and they are not organized people who can attack the state. Yesterday [Wednesday, June 28, 2023] they clashed with Baliet youth, and in the last period it was with cattle keepers, which is a simple thing and not a big problem,” he said.

Governor Odhok says there are ongoing dialogues taking place between the various communities to de-escalate the recent tensions and prevent any potential outbreak of violence.

According to him, the dialogues seek to promote understanding, peace and reconciliation among the different groups residing within the Upper Nile state.

He called on citizens in and outside the state not to listen to rumours and incitement on social media and embrace peace.

“The people who incite violence and war are outside South Sudan and these are the cause of the problems that exist within the state, and those people are not on the ground,” said Governor Odhok.

“They do not have accurate information about what is happening inside Malakal town. I appeal to the communities to leave Social media reports that do not help in resolving conflicts,” he said.

“We must all speak the language of peace, whether you are from the Shilluk or the Nuer, people should not listen to the leaders who incite either from the SPLM-IG or the opposition because, in the end, we want peace.”

“Let’s talk and embrace the culture of peace, we have been talking in the media that we need to adopt the culture of peace and not war, and make the state from war to peace.”

The white army, known for its past involvement in conflicts within the Upper Nile state, has garnered attention due to its size and capability.

Its alleged mobilization toward Malakal town has brought about a sense of unease among the local population, who fear the consequence of any potential attack.