NAS condemns SSPDF attack on Toposa youth over gold mining in Kapoeta South
The National Salvation Front (NAS) has condemned the deployment of South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) troops with heavy weapons against Toposa youth in Nakeke, a gold-rich area of Kapoeta South in Eastern Equatoria State, and has declared the youth’s rejection of a Chinese company’s gold extraction justified.
In a statement dated 28 October 2026, the Office of the Spokesperson at NAS General Headquarters said the confrontation began on the morning of 26 October and continued into the afternoon. The statement, signed by Compatriot Suba Samuel Manase, Spokesperson, extended condolences to the families of those killed in Kapoeta.
Weeks of tension over gold extraction
The violence followed weeks of rising tension. State authorities directed the newly appointed caretaker commissioner of Kapoeta South to persuade the community to accept a Chinese company extracting gold in the area, the movement said.
The community refused, and residents rejected the directive because the companies are “not giving back to the community but serving the interests of the regime.” The statement describes the extraction of gold by companies favoured by the regime as dubious and illegal, and names it as a source of discontent and violence in the area.
Ambush, arson and military deployment
Shortly thereafter, a Chinese company vehicle travelling from the Lauro Didinga area was ambushed, injuring two people, including a Chinese national. Another vehicle was burned the following day.
Twelve vehicles carrying SSPDF soldiers were then deployed to enforce the directive, NAS stated. The deployment led to the larger clashes, which left losses on both sides.
Governor held accountable
According to the statement, the state governor, Louis Lobong, has reportedly demanded that the community accept the company’s return or face military enforcement. The youth refused and vowed to resist.
The youth have refused and vowed to resist.
NAS holds state authorities, Governor Lobong in particular, accountable for what it described as the illegal extraction of gold, profiteering from public resources and collusion with foreign interests against his own people.
Caretaker administration rejected
NAS rejects the legitimacy of the caretaker administration of President Salva Kiir and of its extension at state level. The movement argued that such institutions hold no mandate to represent the people or act on their behalf in matters of mining and the extraction of resources.
Therefore the action of Toposa Youth is justified.
Call to young people across South Sudan
NAS commended the courage and resolve of the Toposa youth in defending their collective resources, which it said belong to present and future generations. It urged young people across South Sudan, wherever similar activities are under way, to “stand up by all means and reject them.”
The statement closes with a commitment from the leadership. Compatriot Manase said: “NAS Stands in solidarity with the Toposa youth and will use its political and diplomatic leverage to press those involved in illegal gold mining activities cease or desist.”
