SSPDF accuses SPLA-IO of killing 13 prisoners of war in Walgak

JUBA — The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) has accused the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) of executing 13 prisoners of war in Walgak, Akobo County, Jonglei State, following intense clashes.

In a press release issued on Saturday, SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang said the bodies of the 13 government soldiers—who had earlier been captured by SPLA-IO forces—were discovered inside a shipping container after government troops reportedly recaptured Walgak from opposition fighters this week.

“In line with MSF’s humanitarian mandate, some of the POWs were taken to Pieri in Uror County,” Maj. Gen. Lul said.

He said following their capture, some of the servicemen and servicewomen were moved for medical treatment.

“The SSPDF command was utterly shocked and dismayed by the discovery of thirteen corpses of former POWs executed in an MSF container in Walgak,” he said.

He said only four soldiers survived and later rejoined the force, while ten others—including four servicewomen—are still being held by SPLA-IO fighters who are now retreating.

He alleged the container where SSPDF soldiers were executed belonged to MSF and called on the aid group to provide a “full explanation and accountability.”

“We demand a full explanation and accountability from MSF on the exact circumstances under which our personnel were executed.”

MSF denied the claim in its response, stating that it does not operate in Walgak and had no staff, facilities, or assets in the area at the time of the alleged incident.

“For the sake of clarifying facts, Médecins Sans Frontières underlines that we do not work in Walgak, Akobo County,” MSF said in a statement issued on Saturday.

“MSF has not worked in this location over the past years, had no personnel present there, and exercised no operational control, supervision, or authority over any facilities, assets, or activities in Walgak.”

However, last week a soldier who says he survived a deadly attack in Walgak village, Akobo County, told authorities that 33 captives were killed.

A man who identified himself as Peter Majak Anyar, an associate of the Mobile Force, alleged that the captive was killed by SPLA-IO.

“We were 44 captives, captured by the White Army and SPLM-IO. They took ten with them and killed 33 yesterday at 8:00 pm. I am the only survivor after I escaped, and now the government is here, so I am safe,” the soldier said, claiming that the prisoners were killed by the SPLA-IO.

He said the fate of the ten POWs that are still with SPLA-IO remains unknown.

However, the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) accused the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) of killing civilians and prisoners of war during the assault.

In a press statement released Saturday, Col. Lam Paul Gabriel, spokesperson of the SPLA-IO, said SSPDF forces launched a surprise assault on Walgak at around 4:30 p.m., killing civilians and burning down the village.

“SSPDF forces attacked Walgak and killed every civilian they found before setting the village on fire,” Gabriel said.

The opposition group further claimed that all prisoners of war captured earlier by the SPLA-IO in Waat, Yuai, and Pajut were killed after SSPDF forces allegedly found them being held in detention in Walgak.

“We are saddened to announce that all the POWs were killed by the SSPDF when they were found in prison in Walgak,” he added.

The SPLA-IO described the incident as a “serious crime against humanity” and called for an independent investigation and accountability for those involved.

“This crime must be investigated, and all those responsible for the attack on Walgak must be held accountable,” the group said.

It remains unclear who is responsible for the killing of the prisoners of war.