SPLA soldiers display weapons during the 2nd Independence Day Anniversary in Juba - July 9, 2013

Authorities say thirteen soldiers loyal to Dr. Riek Machar have surrendered to government forces in Western Equatoria State.

The Commissioner of Mvolo County, James Abdalla Haroun, told state-run SSTV that the 13 soldiers reported to Yare Payam Police Station, 25 kilometers from Mvolo town.

He said the soldiers defected from the 6th Division Artillery unit in December to join forces loyal to Dr. Machar.

He did not say what the authorities were planning to do about the thirteen men.

Soldiers who violate the army code in South Sudan, including defectors, are usually court marshalled.