South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
Another group of the opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in opposition (SPLA-IO) led by First Vice President Riek Machar, on Wednesday defected to the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF).
The latest defection of 300 soldiers followed last week’s defection of 222 SPLA-IO soldiers in Juba.
The soldiers under the command of Brig. Gen Gabriel Bol Anuer, were from the training sites in Rajaf and Lologo areas.
Meanwhile, other soldiers led by Brig. Gen Compeo Andrea Matia and Brig.Gen Stephen Anur Arata came from Western Equatoria State, where the SSPDF has been clashing with SPLA-IO since January,2025.
Speaking to journalists during the reception of the soldiers, David John Kumuri, the spokesperson of the National Security Services (NSS) Internal Security Bureau, said defection of the opposition soldiers will help in maintaining peace, harmony and tranquillity in the country.
Kumuri reaffirmed the government’s commitment to integrating all armed forces under a single national military structure, adding that no country can function with two separate armies.
“The SPLM/A-IO has become a platform for self-interest and division, leading to a war without meaning,” said Matia.
“We can no longer tolerate leadership that prioritises personal gains over the welfare of soldiers and citizens,” he added.
The soldiers from Western Equatoria pledged loyalty to President Salva Kiir Mayardit, vowing to support efforts for national unity and stability.
“We believe in building a united South Sudan under President Kiir’s leadership. The SPLM-IO has failed us, and it is time to work together for a peaceful and prosperous nation,” he said.
Brig.Gen Anuer, said his defection was driven by a duty to uphold South Sudan’s unity and security.
He criticised SPLM-IO’s internal dysfunction, noting that it had deviated from its original vision.
The government has been urging soldiers from different factions to integrate into the national army to strengthen sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The soldiers will be integrated into the SSPDF to ensure professionalism and accountability.
