The Minister of Information, Michael Makuei, has appealed to communities “harboring” armed groups in Equatoria region to disown or report the attackers to the government.

Makuei was responding to reports of deadly attack on civilians along Juba-Yei and Juba-Nimule roads.

However, it’s unclear whether communities living along the highways are hosting those who attack travelers.

He says the government may not distinguish between the militants and non-combatant if the army pursues the attackers within their area of operation.

“If we sent an army today to go and search for these people, some people may fall victims of that situation,” the minister told the media in Juba on Wednesday.

“This is why the community is being advised to act accordingly; otherwise, it means you are a criminal, or terrorist.”

Representatives of the communities in the mentioned areas are yet to comment on the matter.

On Monday, a fact-finding team led by Senior Presidential Advisors held a rally in Yei town where they called for confidence-building between the army and the civil population.

Daniel Awet Akot said various agencies of the government should enhance peace, reconciliation, and healing in the areas with tensions.