By: Ginaba Lino
The Minister of Information, Communication Technology, and Postal Services, Hon. Ateny Wek Ateny, has clarified that the recent statement attributed to Lt. Gen. Johnson Olony Thabo does not represent the official position or policy of the Government of the Republic of South Sudan and should be treated as such.
Addressing the media, Minister Ateny emphasized that Gen. Olony’s comments were made in a personal capacity and not on behalf of the government or the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF).
“General Olony is the Assistant to the Chief of Defence Forces for Political Mobilisation and Orientation. He does not command the army, as some have mistakenly believed,” Ateny explained. “It might have been a slip of the tongue, because no government anywhere in the world can authorize the killing of even a chicken. The Government of South Sudan strongly distances itself from that statement.”
According to the minister, Gen. Olony has since expressed regret for his remarks, acknowledging they were made under the wrong influence and without official authorization.
Reiterating the national army’s constitutional mandate, Ateny said, “The SSPDF’s role is to protect and defend the territorial integrity of South Sudan and safeguard the lives and property of all civilians.”
The Government also assured residents of Akobo, Nyirol, and Uror Counties, many of whom have sought refuge at United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) bases that the situation is secure and their safety is guaranteed.
“We encourage civilians to remain calm and avoid being caught in crossfire. The Government assures them of full protection and pledges continued cooperation with our UN partners, particularly UNMISS, as they carry out peacekeeping and humanitarian work in the affected areas of Jonglei State,” the minister added.
On January 24, 2026, Lt. Gen. Johnson Olony, who serves as Assistant Chief of Defence Forces for Mobilisation and Disarmament and commander of the Agwelek forces, made remarks to his fighters in Duk County, Jonglei State, that have sparked widespread alarm.
“This time round, I told the chief [Chief of Defence Forces] yesterday this will mark the end of problems in the Upper Nile region,” Olony said. “When we arrive there, don’t spare an elderly, don’t spare a chicken, don’t spare a house or anything. We are tired of problems every year until we have gotten old in problems.”
The statement, perceived by many as a call for violence, prompted swift condemnation from the Government, which reiterated that such rhetoric contradicts its peace commitments and national security policy.
In conclusion, Minister Ateny reaffirmed the government’s dedication to peace, stability, and the protection of all citizens across the Republic of South Sudan.