Lt. Gen. Johnson Olony Thabo addresses SSPDF troops in Jonglei State during ongoing security operations in the region. The military move follows recent shifts in territorial control between the army and the SPLA-IO. (Photo: Courtesy)

JUBA, South Sudan (Eye Radio) – The Government of South Sudan has officially distanced itself from controversial statements made by Lt. Gen. Johnson Olony Thabo, clarifying that his recent remarks do not reflect the nation’s official military policy or the values of the state.

The clarification follows a wave of public alarm after Lt. Gen. Olony, a top commander within the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), reportedly instructed troops on the Jonglei State front lines to “spare no lives,” specifically mentioning that even the elderly should not be spared.

Addressing the media at the Ministry’s headquarters on Wednesday, January 27, Government Spokesperson Ateny Wek Ateny emphasized that the national army exists to shield the population, not to terrorize it.

“The government would like to clarify that the recent statement attributed to Lt. Gen. Johnson Olony Thabo does not represent the policy or the position of the Republic of South Sudan,” Ateny stated. “The mandate of the SSPDF is to protect and defend territorial integrity and the lives and properties of the civil population.”

The government also addressed the plight of civilians in Akobo, Nyirol, and Uror counties. Many residents in these areas recently fled to United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) sites seeking refuge from escalating tensions.

Ateny reassured those in protection sites that security challenges are being actively addressed and encouraged them to remain in safe zones to avoid being caught in any potential crossfire.

“The government fully guarantees their safety and protection,” Ateny said. “We also want to assure our UN partners, particularly UNMISS, of our full cooperation as they carry out peace and humanitarian activities in the conflict-disturbed areas of Jonglei State.”

As security operations continue in northern Jonglei, the government has urged the public to remain calm and dismiss inflammatory rhetoric. The spokesperson emphasized that the restoration of public order remains the priority, guided by international legal standards regarding the protection of innocent lives.