Five killed, several wounded in clashes at SPLA-IO Rupkong base in Unity State

BENTIU – At least five people have been killed and several others wounded following violent clashes at the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) Rupkong base in Leer County, Unity State, authorities have confirmed.

The fighting, which erupted on Tuesday, involved members of SPLA-IO Division 4B and armed youth, with reports indicating internal divisions within the opposition group as a key trigger for the violence.

Speaking to Sudans Post on Thursday, Lt. Gen. Peter Ruot Chuol, the SPLA-IO Sector Two Commander in Unity State, confirmed that the clashes broke out at the Rupkong base after armed youth launched an attack on SPLA-IO forces stationed there.

According to Lt. Gen. Ruot, the violence stemmed from disagreements over leadership changes within SPLA-IO Division 4B. He said tensions escalated following the appointment of Gen. Gatok Khor as the new Division 4B commander, replacing Gen. James Gatluak Chuol, who was reportedly unwell at the time of the decision.

“The fighting erupted between SPLA-IO forces and armed youth who rejected the appointment of the new Division 4B commander,” Ruot said. “Some senior officers within the SPLA-IO, unfortunately, sided with the armed youth and contributed to the unrest.”

He further alleged that internal divisions within the movement had worsened the situation, accusing some senior figures of undermining command structures.

“The current fighting between us and the armed youth was driven by individuals within the SPLA-IO leadership,” Ruot said. He specifically named the military commissioner, James Yoach Bading Yageah, as being among those he claimed were part of the internal problems affecting the group.

Lt. Gen. Ruot confirmed that three SPLA-IO soldiers were killed during the clashes, while three others sustained injuries. The wounded soldiers are currently receiving medical treatment at Adok Primary Health Care Unit (PHCU).

He said the situation was later brought under control through administrative and peaceful interventions by local authorities and SPLA-IO leadership.

However, Ruot said he could not confirm the exact number of casualties on the side of the armed youth.

“I do not have confirmed information on how many people from the armed youth were killed or injured during the fighting,” he said.

The incident highlights ongoing security and leadership challenges within armed groups operating in Unity State, an area that has long experienced cycles of violence linked to internal power struggles and community-based armed groups.