FILE PHOTO: SSPDF soldiers patrolling on pickup truck - Courtesy

Authorities in Eastern Equatoria State have reputed allegations that the SSPDF soldiers who were deployed in Nadapal to diffuse ethnic tension at the border area with Kenya, have deserted due to a lack of food.

An unspecified number of soldiers were deployed in the Nadapal area after the recent clashes between the Toposa community and the Turkana pastoralists of Kenya.

However, reports circulated on social media have it that the soldiers abandoned the area due to harsh living conditions.

In response, Eastern Equatoria Information Minister Patrick Oting dismissed the allegations.

He told Eye Radio that the forces are still in Nadapal making patrols to monitor the security situation along the contested border area between South Sudan and Kenya.

“The forces are not stationed in one place. Yes, we still have the forces there and they are doing great as I can tell you and there are still there because they were deployed to provide security in that place,” he said on Monday afternoon.

He adds: “So they are taking care of that place, and basically I can tell you they are doing very okay.”

On February 18, 2023, President Salva Kiir directed the Governor of Eastern Equatoria State and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to form a committee to engage the authorities in Turkana County on how to initiate dialogue and resolve border tension.