SSPDF Vows to Secure Elections, Protect Politicians and Ballots

By Simon Deng

The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) has pledged to support police and other organized forces in securing the country’s planned electoral process, including protecting politicians during campaigns and safeguarding ballot materials if requested by the relevant electoral bodies.

“In the electioneering process, as mandated, the national army will continue to protect the territorial integrity of our beloved country, help organized force, police and the rest in protecting politicians during the electoral campaign,” army spokesman Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang told journalists at the SSPDF headquarters in Bilpam, Juba, on Thursday.

He said the army stood ready to provide security, protect civilians and their property, and respond wherever needed. He added that the army would protect ballot materials if requested to do so by the concerned electoral bodies.

Koang reiterated that the SSPDF would protect South Sudan’s territorial integrity during the planned electoral process and assist the police and other organized forces in providing security for politicians during campaigns.

He said the army could also secure ballot materials if requested by the relevant electoral bodies.

Koang also commented on divisions within the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO), saying the split had resulted in highly divided outposts without centralized command and control.

“We are not allowing civilians to fight; it is happening in the areas under the control of SPLA-IO,” he said.

Koang also addressed intercommunal clashes reported on October 13 in Wijal, Akobo County, Jonglei State, saying the violence began as a revenge killing between two clans before escalating.

He said a third party opened fire, leading the two clans to exchange gunfire, with several people wounded in the crossfire.

“The conflict spread from two clans to engulfing more than seven clans under two subtribes, six people are reported dead and 17 wounded. SSPDF forces were hands tied because the area is under the control by SPLA-IO, we are in defense position and monitoring the situation to control spillover,” Koang said.