Jonglei begins integration of 11,000 SPLA-IO soldiers into SSPDF

BOR – The government of Jonglei State has officially commenced the integration of more than 11,000 officers who defected from the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) into the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF).

The officers were received on Monday in Pul-Turuk, Nyirol County, by a high-level delegation dispatched by Governor Dr. Riek Gai Kok. The delegation was led by the State Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, William Kuol Chuol, and included senior officials from the Ministry of Peace Advocacy and the Nyirol County administration.

Speaking to Sudans Post on Tuesday, Minister Kuol described the event as “a turning point for peace and unity” in Jonglei State.

“Today, we stand united under one army. There are no longer two armies in South Sudan — we have one national force, the SSPDF. The cantonment site in Pul-Turuk is now officially recognized, and we commend Governor Riek Gai Kok’s efforts to promote peace within the Lou Nuer community,” Kuol said.

He added that after more than a decade of internal conflict, South Sudanese are tired of war and ready to embrace peace.

“President Salva Kiir has made it clear: all armed groups must unify under the SSPDF. That is why these forces have joined today — to support lasting peace,” Kuol noted.

Kuol revealed that the defected unit comprises a full brigade from the SPLM-IO’s Sector 3, Division 8, along with members of the opposition’s police and prison services.

“The defected team is a full brigade — Brigade One — and during the parade, we counted around 7,000 soldiers, though the commanding officer said the number exceeds 12,000,” he explained.

Major General Peter Gatkek Tolchiek, who led the defecting forces, hailed the integration as a major step toward national reconciliation and peace.

“This is a historic day for our forces joining the government. We are now fully aligned with the national peace agenda and stand behind the leadership of the Commissioner and the Governor,” Gatkek said.

He further disclosed that more troops are expected to join in the coming days. “As of today, a total of 12,000 soldiers have been officially integrated into the SSPDF,” he confirmed.

The large-scale integration in Nyirol County is being viewed as a significant boost to peacebuilding and reconciliation efforts across Jonglei State and the wider Upper Nile region.