By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Sudan, January 07 , 2026 - A statement issued by the Sudan People’s Liberation Army–In Opposition (SPLA-IO) on Monday has prompted attention in parts of Juba City, though officials and observers say there is no verified indication of imminent fighting.
The advisory, attributed to the SPLA-IO’s acting chief of general staff, warned residents in several neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city, including Gudelle, Gumbo, Lologo and Bilpham, to evacuate or remain indoors as a precaution. The statement did not provide specific details on timing or the nature of any alleged operations.
Government authorities said they were aware of the advisory but emphasized that no confirmed intelligence points to any planned clashes in Juba. Security personnel reported that routine patrols and monitoring across the city continue and urged residents to rely on official information channels while remaining calm.
Observers noted that public statements from armed groups can influence civilian behavior even without confirmed hostilities. Humanitarian and monitoring agencies in the capital said they had not received reports of displacement or immediate threats to civilians linked to the advisory. Officials highlighted that precautionary messaging, while potentially alarming, does not necessarily indicate a planned military operation.
Residents in some of the areas mentioned in the advisory described uncertainty and caution, with some families choosing to stay indoors while others continued daily activities. Community representatives said families were weighing the credibility of the warning against the practical challenges of relocation.
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South Sudan has experienced repeated cycles of tension since the signing of its peace agreement, with urban areas particularly sensitive to reports of potential clashes. Analysts said that statements by armed groups often reflect political signaling as much as battlefield realities, and unverified warnings can heighten fear in densely populated neighborhoods.
Authorities reiterated that the security situation in Juba remains under observation, with no reported fighting or population movements as of Monday evening. Officials and observers urged residents to remain vigilant but not to panic, emphasizing that the city continues to operate under normal conditions and that any confirmed developments would be communicated through official channels.
The SPLA-IO advisory has drawn attention to the fragile information environment in the capital, where rapid circulation of statements can shape public perception. Both authorities and observers stressed the importance of verifying information before acting, highlighting that precautionary alerts do not automatically signal imminent conflict.
For now, the situation in Juba appears stable, with residents and security personnel maintaining routine activities. Authorities continue to monitor developments closely, urging calm while ensuring that safety measures and contingency plans are in place should the security situation change.
