South Sudan Watchdog

Press Statement

is a national platform dedicated to helping citizens report breaking news and share verified information from across the country. The platform plays an important role in providing real-time updates and promoting transparency on issues affecting people on the ground.

It is managed by a team of 36 administrators, including 32 based within South Sudan and 4 operating from abroad, ensuring both local coverage and international coordination.

South Sudan Watchdog

The Republic of South Sudan
Jonglei State, Bor
Nyirol County, Lankien
Date: 05/05/2026

From: The Commissioner’s Office
Hon. Peter Gatkuoth Koang Dhuor

To: Pultruk Payam and Pading Payam

CIVILLIANS MUST REMAIN CALM IN THEIR RESPECTIVES AREAS

This message serves to inform the civilian population in the above-mentioned locations to refrain from fleeing their homes due to rumors of attacks allegedly circulated by SSPDF in Waat.

My arrival in Nyirol County Headquarters, Lankien, as the SPLM/A-IO-appointed Commissioner is intended to restore peace and stability among the civilians of Nyirol County. Therefore, all civilians are urged to remain in their homes without fear.

Furthermore, the military is instructed to remain confined to their barracks and avoid engaging in activities that may cause panic among the population.

Signed:
Hon. Peter Gatkuoth Kong Dhuer
Commissioner of Nyirol County
SPLM/A-IO, Lankien

Radio Tamazuj
SSBC News
Eye Radio
Eyeof Jonglei State
NAATH VOICE
AKOBO COUNTY'S PRESS UNIT
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
United Nations Peacekeeping
Médecins Sans Frontières / MSF

SSBC news in advance
4th May 2026
President H.E Salva Kiir Mayardit sacked Dr. Riek G*i Kok Diang and re-appointed H.E. Denay Jock Chagor

Lt. Gen. Thok Chuol Luak appointed as Deputy of Defence and Veterans Affairs.

Hon. Majok Galuak Thoah appointed as Minister of Wildlife, Tourism, and Conservation.

Forward: Reath Gatwech Diar

FACT ABOUT THE SO-CALLED BRIG. DUAL PHAM LHAM KITIBE UGALE COMMANDER

In 2015, Dual Pham's brother impregnated a girl from Cie Yakuach Ruot Dim. When they were brought to court after he eloped with the girl, despite having a blood relationship, the parents decided to take their daughter back, and the young men were very angry about what had happened, caused by that boy from Cie Dak Rut. Because Mr. Dual Pham did not listen well, he fired a gun at his brother-in-law and killed two men from that side of Cie Diem.
After that incident, a year later, on his way to Waat, he met someone from Cie Bidiit and killed him.
After some time, when he got drunk, he killed his brother (both Dingnyang).
In a cattle camp, he killed another person.
In July 2017, he went to Waat and mobilized his brother, Wanelou Monyjang Bech, to come to Walgak together with Mai Met Thoan to establish and maintain the town. However, the sons of Jimaach disagreed with him and later chased them away, which resulted in the deaths of many Jimaach sons who supported Mr. Dual Pham.
He deserted Walgak after he turned into a criminal.
During the time Walgak was deserted , and across Yidit this year, one of Walgak’s traders (Majok Gatjiek) left his goods and hired Dual Pham as a security guard. He gave him an AK-47 with 31 bullets, two 100 kg sacks of sorghum, and one sack of dry fish, which was brought from Akobo East.
When you analyze this, how can the government of South Sudan recruit a criminal to the rank of Brigadier General? My people, Mr. Dual Pham is a criminal, and whoever supports his actions will fall into problems.

Concerned son of Nyaal Mach

To: Nyarkuach Community Association

In this deadly and meaningless conflict across our areas, the Nyarkuach community has suffered a devastating loss of young lives. The numbers speak for themselves:
▪︎ Walgak: 21 youths
▪︎ Akobo: 13 youths
▪︎ Nyangiech (between Akobo East and West): 9 youths
▪︎ Pading: 32 youths
▪︎ Ruopchak: 6 youths
▪︎ Panyang: 23 youths
▪︎ Additional attack (by Gawaar): 12 youths
In total, 116 Nyarkuach youths have lost their lives within just a few months—excluding soldiers. This is a tragic and unacceptable loss for our community.
To the elders and leaders of Nyarkuach; James Bol Makuei, Gen. Gatkek Tolchiek, Gen. Thomas Mabhor Dhol, and others, this is a moment for reflection. Our community is greater than any individual or group, and its survival must come first.
Advice: Do not continue to place our community at risk. This conflict began under your watch, and many were mobilized under your leadership. Now, those same people are left to face the consequences alone. It is time to take responsibility and allow our community the space to heal.
Let peace prevail. Let our people breathe again. If armed groups such as Agwelek and others return to their places, it's your turn to stop misleading our youth.
Thank you.

A concerned son of Nyarkuach Community

South Sudan’s rebel group SSPM/A marks its 5th anniversary with a strong message, declaring it is now “fully prepared for confrontation” against the government in Juba.

In a statement issued May 1, Chairman Gen. Stephen Buay Rolnyang said the movement has completed phases of mobilization, training, and is now battle-ready, vowing to “dismantle dictatorship” and build a new democratic South Sudan.

The group also rejected the planned December 2026 elections, calling them unrealistic due to lack of security, constitution, census, and political freedom. It accused the government of attempting to extend its rule through “illegitimate means.”

SSPM/A further alleged violations of the 2018 peace agreement, citing arrests of opposition figures and shrinking political space.

The movement urged citizens to join its struggle, stating it is ready to act “by all necessary means possible” under the United People Alliance (UPA).

©SSPM

JUST IN:
The Acting Chief of General Staff, Gen. John Both Teny, is expected to address all the SPLA-IO forces nationwide within the next few hours. He will issue directives to all units.

Stay tuned!

South Sudan Watchdog

He was among the first batch of the SPLA Security Officers who received training in multiple locations. He was commissioned by John Garang as a high-ranking commander in the Security Sector during the struggle. Salva Kiir himself knew him more than others because he was his close subordinate and a Deputy for many years.

In 2005, John Luk Bayak was assigned to Khartoum along with Dr Majak Agot. He was the Deputy to the latter. He was in charge of the Security and administration of the South Sudanese in Khartoum throughout the Interim Period (2005-2011).

In 2011, toward the independence of South Sudan, John Luk Bayak was awarded by the then President of Sudan Omer El Bashir with the rank of Brigadier General.

The award was offered to him because of the service he provided to both the Sudan and South Sudan during his assignment to Khartoum. It was actually a noble idea to receive promotion as long as Sudan was yet to be divided.

But, for the Jiang-led government in Juba, that promotion from Colonel to Brigadier General in Khartoum by Omer El Bashir was seen upon his return in 2011 as a betrayal.

The Jiang-led Security Council and the military command accused him of sabotage. They argued that, he might have given out secret information to Bashir and that was the reason they thought he got promoted.

Innocent John Luk Bayak was isolated by the Jiang-led government to the point of complete disappearance. No deployment, no money, and no political considerations.

He might look physically weak but really strong in value. Now, he is leading with great honor through difficulties.

~ Credit Dungdiit Media

Good evening SSD

South Sudan Watchdog