At least 23 people died in attacks in South Sudan, attributed to opposition militias, according to a local government official. The attacks took place early today in Ruweng, an oil producing region, and involved the White Army militia.
© GUI PETERSON/AFP via Getty Images
19/10/2026
by
Lusa
Plink 23 people died early today when young armed men linked to the armed opposition of South Sudan attacked several villages in Ruweng, an oil-producing area, according to a local government official.
Local Government Information Minister Ruweng, James Monyluak Mijok Thon, told the EFE agency that the attacks began around 5:00 a.m. 04:00 in Lisbon and accused young armed men from the neighboring state of Unity of carrying out lethal attacks.
“ At least 23 people lost their lives in the attacks launched by young armed men early this morning. The attackers are members of the White Army militia ", said Thon.
The White Army, a youth militia composed predominantly of members of the Nuer ethnic group, has historically been associated with the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Sudan in Opposition (SPLM-IO), led by Vice President Riek Machar, although its relationship with the opposition military command remains controversial.
“ The armed groups attacked several villages, including Nyokrial and Nyoklith, in Tuoch County; Bal Mialou, in Lake No County; and Manajonga, in Aliiny County”, detailed the minister.
Thon added that the aggressors also burned down homes and took the cattle belonging to the local communities.
“Several houses were burned down and cattle were looted during the attacks. The situation is still tense”, he added.
The attacks represent a new episode of violence in Ruweng, where tensions between armed groups and communities in the neighboring state of Unity have often provoked fatal clashes.
The latest acts of violence take place in the context of increasing political and security tensions in South Sudan, following the non-compliance with fundamental provisions of the 2018 peace agreement between President Salva Kiir's government and the Machar opposition movement.
Machar is being tried in Juba on charges related to the deadly clashes in the Nasir region in March 2025, which also involved members of the White Army.
The resumption of armed violence takes place less than two months from the general elections in South Sudan, scheduled for December 2026, in a scenario of widespread insecurity, political divisions and concern for the fragile transition of the country.