SSPDF, SPLA-IO reportedly clash in Unity State

Author: Staff Writter | Published: Monday, January 29, 2024

SPLA-IO spokesman Col. Lam Paul Gabriel speaking to the press in Juba. |File Photo.

Fighting has reportedly erupted in northern Unity State between SSPDF and SPLA-IO on Monday, in violation of a longstanding cessation of hostilities and the current efforts to unify the national army under one command.

SPLA-IO Spokesperson Colonel Lam Paul Gabriel said troops from SSPDF’s Fourth Infantry Division attacked the opposition base in Barkuol Ngol of Rubkona County, near the state capital.

“Fighting erupted in Rubkona County, Unity State today afternoon as the SSPDF attacked the SPLA-IO base of Barkuol Ngol along Mayom road at 12:00pm. Details will come later,” Col Gabriel posted on his Facebook page.

When contacted, army spokesperson, Major General Lul Ruai Koang said he is establishing facts and will call back to comment.

He then posted on his official Facebook page: “The leadership/command of SSPDF will update its rank and file as well as the people of South Sudan once sufficient facts and accurate information is obtained on reported armed confrontations with SPLA IO in Unity State.”

The unity government, a brainchild of the 2018 peace agreement, has trained and graduated about 53,000 Necessary Unified Force – nearly half of which have been deployed to some states.

About 30,000 more personnel are yet to be trained and graduated in the second phase to make up the 83,000 strong forces required by the agreement to safeguard the first general elections in December 2024.

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