JUBA, South Sudan, July 29, 2024 — The South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF) has appealed to the residents of Juba to remain calm following the deployment of a significant military presence in the capital city on Monday, ahead of expected protests. The deployment aims to ensure a peaceful Martyrs’ Day commemoration on July 30, according to Maj. Gen. Lual Ruai Koang, the SSPDF spokesman.
He emphasized that the increased military visibility is part of a strategy to safeguard the festivities and prevent any unrest. “We have been ramping up security within and around Juba in strategic locations in preparation for the day,” Gen. Ruai said. “Additionally, the entertainment centers have large screens set up for people to watch the Olympic Games because we expect large crowds and aim to prevent any unruly behavior.”
Residents have observed a rise in military checkpoints and patrols throughout Juba, prompting some to voice concerns about the increased security measures. The SSPDF’s statement was intended to address these concerns and highlight the importance of public cooperation during the event.
Martyrs’ Day, held annually on July 30, commemorates those who died during the struggle for South Sudan’s independence, including Dr. John Garang, the leader of the SPLM-SPLA who died in a helicopter crash on July 30, 2005.
Coinciding with the military deployment, a group calling itself the “SSD Citizens Salvation Group” placed posters in some parts of Juba over the weekend, urging traders to close their businesses from Monday. The posters cited the deteriorating economic crisis and criticized the government’s inaction.
“This cautiously serves to inform every one of you to kindly leave your business closed starting from Monday for your own safety and that of your business as well,” the poster reads in part. “Due to the current deteriorating economic crisis that has continually inflicted huge consequences on every South Sudanese across the country and the government is keeping its mouth shut, we, the ‘Salvation Group,’ took this lead to ask the government to step aside for another because our trust for you has made us suffer for more than 13 years.”
“This is not the kind of country our parents fought for, this is the kind of country our parents fought against,” it added.
The army and other authorities have not commented on the posters.