JUBA, — The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Paul Nang Majok officially declared the Jonglei State-based Red Belt Movement a rebel group, Oct. 28, 2025.

Majok directed Lt. Gen. Koang Thou Kong, assistant chief of defence forces for operations, to treat members of the Red Belt Movement like any other armed rebel group fighting against the government and the SSPDF across the country.

The declaration followed the seizure of a cache of heavy and small arms, uniforms and charms found in a white van during a recent joint security disarmament operation in Juba.

According to the SSPDF, the group’s activities and structure surpassed those of a traditional community-based vigilante organisation. Indicators included organised leadership, resource mobilisation, arms acquisition, a military-style ranking system, designated uniforms, an emblem and motto, expanded areas of operation, and the establishment of cells in Juba and other regions.

“These characteristics are clear hallmarks of a rebel movement with political objectives,” the SSPDF said in a statement. “Effective today, the Red Belt Movement is officially declared a rebel group.”

Images and videos of the seized weapons and equipment were released by the SSPDF Media and Press Directorate.

Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, director for media and press and SSPDF spokesman, SSPDF General Headquarters, Bilpam.