The Madi community in Magwi County, Eastern Equatoria State, has called for the removal of unrecognized army garrisons from their area, citing security concerns that hinder the return of refugees ahead of the 2026 elections.
The appeal was made during a civilian-military dialogue held Tuesday in Loa, organized by the Justice and Peace Commission of the Catholic Diocese of Torit, with support from Norwegian Church Aid. The dialogue followed the recent killing of a youth near Loa Parish.
Taban Geofrey Kurunyu, representing the Madi Oprigo youth, claimed that over 20 military installations had been established in locations such as Mogali, Pageri, Okodum Maria, Loa, and Jebel Gordon—within close proximity of each other.
“There are more than 20 army barracks across Madi land, many within 60 to 70 kilometers. We request the removal of those not positioned at border areas or security hotspots to allow refugees to return home and participate in the 2026 elections,” said Taban.
He also alleged that the military presence has fostered distrust, with some officers accusing local chiefs and residents of rebel sympathies—undermining the spirit of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement.
“The continued labeling of civilians as rebels erodes trust and violates the peace agreement,” Taban added.
The acting chairperson of the Madi community echoed the concerns, citing violent incidents, unresolved land disputes, and cattle-related conflicts involving herders from Jonglei State and Uganda.
“Despite directives from President Kiir and President Museveni, cattle remain hidden in places like Mugali and Nimule. Six civilians were killed in Okodum Maria in 2016, three in Mugali in 2022, and another recently near Loa Parish,” he said.
However, Brigadier General Kulang Tariff Chuol, representing the military, defended the deployments, citing community and government requests to prevent cross-border threats and crime along the Juba–Nimule Highway.
“Troops were deployed in Melijo due to Ugandan encroachment; in Nyolo to prevent farm destruction by cattle from Jonglei; and in Lobonok following the 2021 killing of two Catholic sisters,” said Gen. Chuol.
The dialogue, triggered by the recent killing in Loa, aimed to foster understanding between civilians and the army. Community leaders continue to call for a balanced approach to national security and local stability, enabling the safe return of displaced persons before the 2026 elections.
“This story is reported with a grant from Journalists for Human Rights under the ‘Tackling Mis/Disinformation Project,’ funded by the Peace and Stabilization Program of the Government of Canada.”