Reports of South Sudanese Incursion into Ethiopian Territory

South Sudanese soldiers raises flag in unspecified location. (Photo : SM/ file)

Toronto – South Sudanese forces reportedly made incursions into the Gambella region of Ethiopia. Local Ethiopian Media outlets and those based outside of the country , including Ethiopian Media Service (EMS), are reporting the South Sudanese forces are in control of up to 30 kilometers deep in the Ethiopian  territory. 

According to the sources, the South Sudanese forces have been in control of Lare district of the Gambella region since Wednesday. Head of the district administration, whose name is unspecified, was reportedly wounded seriously and taken to hospital. 

Also, local sources reported that dozens of Gameballa region anti-riot police forces have sustained injury. Unspecified if the wound is life threatening 

The sources also reported that “Ethiopian flag is lowered in the controlled area, and South Sudanese flag is raised.” 

Federal government police force deployed in the area reportedly retreated in the face of what appeared to be a military action from a mechanized force from South Sudan. 

The area is said to be tense following the reported withdrawal of Federal police force from the area but there are no reports of casualties.  The Defense Force was not in the area, it was said. 

 EMS stated that the forces who controlled the area easily seem to be forces loyal to Reick Machar, Salva Kirr’s opponent. The conflict between the two forces reignited recently.  

The Ethiopian government has not yet remarked about the reported development in the Gambella region of Ethiopia. Multiples of bilateral agreements including for infrastructure developments have been reached between Ethiopia and South Sudan over the past few years.  

However, there had been recurring cross border security incidents in the region and lootings of cattle. There were joint border administrator’s meetings.

Source: https://borkena.com/2025/05/01/ethiopia-gambella-reports-of-south-sudanese-incursion-into-ethiopian-territory/