SSPDF Orders Agwelek Forces to Report for Screening Ahead of Integration

By Simon Deng

The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) has ordered all Agwelek forces in Juba to report to the Terekeka Assembly Area in Central Equatoria State for screening prior to their integration into the national army.

On Monday, Major General Lul Ruai Koang, spokesperson for the SSPDF and Director of Media and Press, announced the army leadership’s directive for Agwelek forces to report for screening and subsequent integration.

“All members of Agwelek Forces currently in Juba are hereby ordered to report to Terekeka Assembly Area, in Terekeka County, Central Equatoria State,” Koang stated on Monday.

Koang further revealed that the Agwelek forces are directed to report to the Assembly areas starting September 15,2026.

“Forces from Agwelek currently deployed in Greater Tonj, Warrap State, are hereby ordered to be on standby for the arrival of the screening and integration committee from SSPDF General Headquarters (HQs),Bilpam,” Koang added.

“The same order applies to Agwelek forces currently deployed at Nyakeen (Bakeer-Wen) in Twic East County, Jonglei State,” he continued.

These orders, which are for immediate execution, specifically apply to Agwelek forces under the command of Lieutenant General Johnson Olony Thabo, the Assistant Chief of Defence Forces for Disarmament and Mobilisation.

In January 2022, Gen. Johnson Olony, commander of Agwelek forces,signed a ceasefire and agreement with the government. The agreement focused on land boundaries, merging Agwelek forces into the SSPDF, and political representation.