Late General Ahmed Ashiek speaks during a past public gathering. General Ashiek and three bodyguards were reportedly killed in Kola, Upper Nile State, following his arrest in Kaka. (Photo: File)

The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) has distanced itself from reports regarding the reported killing of Agwelek commander Gen. Ahmed Ashiek in northern Upper Nile State, stating that unintegrated Agwelek fighters remain under Gen. Johnson Olony’s direct command.

Reports indicate that Gen. Ashiek was arrested in Kaka, Manyo County, taken to Magenis (Kitgwang), and killed in Kola alongside three bodyguards during internal friction within the movement.

Speaking to Eye Radio on Friday, August 21, SSPDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang explained that while Gen. Olony and a few officers have joined the national army, most of his forces are still awaiting integration.

“General Johnson is still maintaining his force that is not yet integrated into SSPDF,” Brig. Gen. Lul said. “He is still the commander for the force that are not yet integrated. And his force are waiting for integration.”

He added that administrative and disciplinary control over non-integrated personnel remains with their original command.

“On our side, I’m just aware that he was integrated along with a few officers. And the rest that are not integrated into SSPDF, they are answerable to him,” Brig. Gen. Lul said. “If there are issues regarding the force that is not yet integrated, it’s him to answer.”

In a separate statement, youths from Fashoda County raised concerns over the detention of Gen. Sebit Ayik, demanding his immediate release or a transparent legal process.

“Our patience should not be mistaken for weakness,” the group stated, urging those holding Gen. Ayik to provide due process or release him to avoid further conflict.

Calls to Manyo County Commissioner Maj. Gen. Zacharia Lwonyo Amum went unanswered by press time. Attempts to reach Gen. Olony or Agwelek representatives for comment were also unsuccessful.