Over 2,000 SPLA-IO forces defect to SSPDF in Torit, pledge allegiance to Kiir

TORIT – More than two thousand officers, non-commissioned officers, and soldiers formerly aligned with the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) have officially joined the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) in Torit, marking one of the largest defections in the state in recent years.

The forces were formally received on Friday at the SSPDF Division 7 Headquarters by the Division Commander, who praised the group for what he described as a “courageous and timely” decision.

Gen. Moses said their defection comes at a critical moment when safeguarding lives and property in Eastern Equatoria State and across South Sudan remains a national priority.

He urged the newly integrated members to distance themselves from tribalism and reject hate speech, which he accused some elements within the SPLA-IO of using to fuel divisions.

The general encouraged them to serve with integrity and help persuade others still in the bush to embrace peace.

Maj. Gen. Dr. Koboss Milton, who read the group’s declaration of allegiance, expressed appreciation for the warm welcome extended by the SSPDF and the Eastern Equatoria State leadership.

He said the tragic events of November 18 in Torit had deeply shaken communities and played a role in their decision to “abandon conflict” and shift their focus toward peacebuilding.

Maj. Gen. Koboss said their move followed months of internal reflection and growing frustration with what he described as misleading narratives within the SPLA-IO about reform.

He argued that instead of reforms, nepotism had worsened, claiming leadership roles were increasingly concentrated within particular families — “father, son, and daughter,” he said, joking that only “the Holy Spirit” had been left out due to its holiness.

He further accused the SPLA-IO leadership of sidelining officers and soldiers serving inside the country in favour of those in the diaspora.

“It is time to understand that good people eventually grow tired of ungrateful people,” Maj. Gen. Koboss declared.

He said the “focused sons and daughters of Eastern Equatoria State within the SPLA-IO” had carefully assessed the situation and resolved that returning to the government was the path most aligned with peace efforts. Their return, he emphasised, reflects a collective desire to end conflict and work toward stability.

The SSPDF has described the defection as a significant boost to ongoing peace initiatives, though SPLA-IO leadership has not yet issued an official response.