FILE PHOTO: SSPDF soldiers patrolling on pickup truck - Courtesy

The authorities in Western Equatoria state have stated that the newly deployed forces in Tambura County have helped bring peace to the area, allowing locals to celebrate Christmas peacefully.

This statement was made by Demonic Usini, the state Minister of Information.

His comments come three days after county authorities reported that local security forces had foiled an attempted looting by gunmen of a truck carrying food items to an IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) church compound in Ngboko.

Matthew Mabenge, a local official, confirmed on Thursday that 18 gunmen had ambushed the truck along the Muzungu and Mboko areas in Source Yubu Payam.

The incident resulted in the death of a soldier from the 6th Infantry Division.

A month ago, the Commissioner of Tambura County reported a similar attack when heavily armed men targeted Tambura market.

This attack was part of a broader pattern of escalating inter-communal violence, including targeted killings.

The Deputy Governor of Western Equatoria State had previously raised concerns about the neutrality of security forces stationed in Tambura, citing their tribal affiliations.

However, Usini emphasized that the newly deployed forces have brought relative peace to the region, ensuring that security is maintained and allowing residents to celebrate Christmas without fear.

“The government of western Equatoria has played a very big role by sending forces to Tambura County, to change the previous forces who are there,”  Usini stated during an interview with Eye Radio from Yambio on Sunday.

“The forces that went to Tambura have control of the town, there are no cases there Tambura is a bit calm compared to the previous days back, they are almost two weeks now in Tambura county,” he said.

“The Christmas went well because of their [forces] presents, before the 20^th of this month, they control the town, and it a big privilege for the local people to celebrate their Christmas.”

Since November 2024, Tambura grappled with inter-communal violence characterized by rampant targeted killings.