In Gondokoro, some 25 kilometers east of the capital Juba, locals are concerned. An influx of livestock herders has increased competition for already scarce resources, particularly land, leading to tensions among residents, internally displaced persons and the pastoralists.

“Farms and crops have been destroyed and some of our animals stolen. It is still not safe for us to return to our homes,” says Sarah Gelerino, who lives nearby, across the Nile, after having been displaced in 2022.

Lina Keji, a Gondokoro resident, adds that insecurity is not the only consequence of a larger local population.

“Our healthcare facilities have suffered from a shortage of medicines for months. Transporting a sick person to Juba, or to go there to buy medication, is very expensive, which means that walking is the only option for most of us,” she says.

Government efforts to make cattle keepers from elsewhere go home mean that Gondokoro is currently a somewhat less violent place than it was a couple of years ago, but some problems do persist.

Local cattle owner Achirin Mayar is blunt about it.

“In the past, we ran from lions. Now we flee from humans with guns. This must stop,” he says, referring to the proliferation of small arms that worries most people living here.

To prevent a breakdown of law and order, they believe the government should disarm all civilians, without exceptions. Community director John Gabriel Ladu would welcome that but thinks that more is needed.

“Local authorities must engage with the feuding parties to resolve their differences, otherwise we won’t have peace in the area,” he says.

According to Captain Zakariya, the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces have established checkpoints in strategic locations to better protect civilians.

“We would like community leaders and traditional chiefs to encourage displaced people to return home and start farming, and we are trying to make that safe.”

Despite existing tensions, Lauro Ohiyu, who serves with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and was part of the delegation that visited Gondokoro, is optimistic.

“We were encouraged to see local authorities' consistent calls for people to return home. UNMISS and the UN family are committed to working with the State Government and partners to make this a safe place for everyone, not least for those who want to go back to where they used to live.” UNMISS

Bosaso, Puntland – The government of Puntland has confirmed the seizure of a vessel named Sea World, intercepted off the coast of Bareeda in the Raas-Casayr region two days ago while allegedly transporting arms from Turkey. The Puntland authorities declared the vessel’s entry into its territorial waters a breach of international maritime law, citing Articles 19(2)(b) and (g) of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

In an official statement, Puntland accused the vessel of unauthorized entry while carrying visible weaponry, raising serious concerns over national and regional security. The area where the vessel was intercepted is known for active military operations against international terrorist groups, including Daesh (ISIS), further heightening tensions surrounding the incident.

The Puntland government stressed that under established international agreements, all foreign vessels—particularly those transporting military or restricted cargo—must notify the host country before entering its territorial waters. The Sea World reportedly failed to do so, entering Puntland waters covertly and without diplomatic or legal justification.

Government Response and Legal Authority

Citing its legal rights under Articles 25(1) and 27(1) of UNCLOS, Puntland asserted its authority to inspect and take enforcement actions against unauthorized vessels operating in its maritime jurisdiction. Authorities are currently investigating the ship’s ownership, the nature of its cargo, and its intended destination.

“The actions of Sea World represent a flagrant violation of international maritime norms and a threat to the sovereignty and security of Puntland,” the statement read.

Security Threat and Ongoing Investigation

According to the Puntland Ministry of Information, preliminary investigations have confirmed that the vessel docked covertly near a high-risk zone where Puntland security forces have recently conducted counterterrorism operations. Authorities believe the presence of the ship—equipped with arms—poses a serious security risk to both Puntland and the wider Horn of Africa region.

The government has pledged full accountability for any individuals or entities found complicit in this breach once the investigation is complete.

Puntland reaffirmed its dedication to maritime security and the protection of its territorial sovereignty. The Sea World remains in custody at the port of Bosaso as investigations continue.

“The government of Puntland will not tolerate violations of its sovereignty and will continue to uphold international law to protect its people and territorial integrity,” the statement concluded.

Further details are expected following the completion of the investigation. HORSEED MEDIA