SPLA-IO calls latest mass defection of forces to SSPDF ‘sensitive’, vows investigation

JUBA – The Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) has described as “sensitive” the reported defection of more than 11,000 forces to the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) on Saturday.

The reaction follows a public announcement by SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, the forces, led by Maj. Gen. Peter Gatkek Tolchieck and Lt. Gen. Keer Kai Geu renounced the opposition army and pledged allegiance to President Salva Kiir’s government.

Tolchieck, the commander of Brigade 1, Sector 3 of SPLA-IO in Nyirol County of South Sudan’s Jonglei State, allegedly defected with 6,100 officers and soldiers. Ruai claimed that the group publicly declared their allegiance to the government and the SSPDF, citing a ceremony held on October 25 in Pul-Turuk village.

Ruai also reported that Lt. Gen. Keer Kai Geu rejoined the government forces with 5,400 personnel drawn from various organized forces, including the South Sudan National Police Service, Prison Service, Wildlife Service, and 300 members of the National Security Service’s Internal Security Bureau under Col. Malang Yol Rial.

Reacting to the report on Saturday night, Col. Lam Paul Gabriel, the SPLA-IO Spokesperson, said the opposition army was not making an immediate, detailed statement on the development, citing its delicacy.

“The office of the SPLA-IO Spokesperson will not be making an immediate response to the alleged defection news in Jonglei and Western Bar-el Gazal State by some SPLA-IO officers due to the sensitive nature of the matter,” he said.

Lam added that there was no documented incident of defection within the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition’s military wing commanded by detained First Vice President Riek Machar, saying investigations were underway.

“There are no written or recorded statements by officers claimed to have defected to the SSPDF. However, consultations and investigations are conducted to find out the real truth,” Lam stated.

The reported defection, if confirmed, will mark a major blow for the SPLA-IO as it risks losing control of the Pading military headquarters of Nyirol County, Nyambor, and Riang, which they initially seized from the SSPDF.