Led by Vice President Riek Machar, the SPLM-IO split from the SPLM in 2013 due to political tensions between President Salva Kiir and Machar. The dispute led to the outbreak of the South Sudanese Civil War and continues to pose a threat to the stability of Africa’s newest nation.
In September 2024, the Episcopal Church of South Sudan’s (ECSS) Diocese of Wau reported that 17 of their evangelists were arbitrarily arrested and tortured by SPLA-IO forces in Wath-Lelo Payam, Jur River County. The church has called for justice and urged the newly appointed Governor Emmanuel Primo Okello to investigate the matter and hold those responsible accountable.
However, the SPLA-IO has denied the torture allegations. Brigadier Uku Manwee, the SPLA-IO spokesman in Western Bahr el Ghazal State, admitted that the pastors were arrested but claimed they were released without being tortured. He stated that the incident was a misunderstanding between the army and the church, citing complaints from locals about noisy nighttime prayers and allegations of misconduct by church members.
Jur River County has also been plagued by a series of cattle raids and violent incidents. In June 2024, Agiu Athuai Agiu, a member of the Western Bahr el Ghazal State Legislative Assembly, reported a new wave of cattle theft in the area. The attacks, allegedly carried out by youth from Warrap State, resulted in the looting of livestock, destruction of property, and displacement of civilians.
These incidents have forced many returning civilians to flee once again, with approximately 30 villages comprising around 17,000 households affected. The ongoing violence has disrupted efforts to resettle displaced populations and hindered agricultural activities in the region.
The security situation in Jur River County is further complicated by political tensions and divisions within the SPLA-IO forces. Following the appointment of Emmanuel Primo Okello as the new governor of Western Bahr el Ghazal State in November 2024, a section of SPLA-IO forces in the region, particularly those from Jur River County, expressed opposition to his appointment.
Brigadier General Gabriel Bol Wek of the SPLA-IO Brigade 4 in Watho-lelo, Jur River County, stated that they have rejected the newly appointed governor, citing concerns about representation and local grievances. This internal division within the SPLA-IO has added another layer of complexity to the already fragile security situation in the area.
The security challenges in Jur River County are part of a larger pattern of instability across South Sudan. The country continues to grapple with intercommunal violence, political tensions, and humanitarian crises. As of February 2024, widespread Emergency (IPC Phase 4) food insecurity outcomes were reported in 17 counties across South Sudan, including parts of Greater Bahr el Ghazal region.