South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Simon Deng
At least 9 people have been confirmed killed and 18 wounded in separate clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF) with opposition forces in Kajo Keji County, Central Equatoria State and Nagero County, Western Equatoria State.
Maj.Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, Spokesperson for the SSPDF said on Monday that three SSPDF officers and two children were among the dead following fighting with the National Salvation Front (NAS) rebels on February 9 in Jalimo village, Kajo Keji County.
He also disclosed that 4 SSPDF soldiers were killed last week in separate incidents in Nagero County. The SSPDF has been fighting with the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in opposition (SPLA-IO) in Nagero County since the January 2025.
“On February 9, 2025, at around 6 a.m in the morning, NAS rebels attacked our position at Jalimo village, Kongapo 2 Payam of Central Equatoria State. The surprise attack on our position left three servicemen dead, two civilians were shot and wounded,” said Koang at a press conference at the army headquarters in Juba.
He revealed that two children from the same family in Kajo Keji County burnt to death after they were thrown into a burning house by NAS rebels, adding that the rebels also set a village in Jalimo area on fire.
Koang said that SSPLA-IO forces have frequently been attacking SSPDF forces at Kubri Bou area of Nagero County, as the SSPDF implements the resolution agreed upon at the 8th Governor’s Forum to remove illegal check-points across the country.
The clashes initially erupted when the SSPDF ordered SPLA-IO forces to vacate the check-point at Kubri Bou Bridge.
Koang said they have already cleared all illegal check-points along the Juba- Nimule high way without facing resistance from any group, unlike in Nagero County where they have clashed with SPLA-IO forces who resist the move.
He said that the SSPDF commander of Division 6, Maj. Gen James Akec Adim tasked with the removal of check-points in Western Equatoria State, was also attacked by the SPLA-IO as he went about his work of monitoring the presence of illegal check-points.
