SPLA-IO officer defects to SSPDF in Western Equatoria, cites disappointment

YAMBIO – An officer of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) has defected and joined the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) in Western Equatoria State, citing disappointment over alleged abuses against civilians by opposition fighters.

In a statement issued Thursday by the office of Governor Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa, authorities said Maj. Badur Emmanuel Dominic Dismo announced his decision in a declaration letter dated March 10, 2026.

The letter was addressed to the Acting Commander of SSPDF Division Six in Yambio.

“I officially declare my decision to abandon the SPLM-IO and rejoin the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces, which is my former and national army,” Maj. Badur wrote in the declaration.

According to the statement, the officer said his decision was driven by growing frustration with the conduct of some opposition forces, whom he accused of committing serious violations against civilians.

Maj. Badur alleged that elements within the opposition had been involved in killings, looting, kidnappings and the burning of homes in areas under their influence.

He said such actions contradict the principles he learned during his six years of service with the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism, the regional body tasked with monitoring the implementation of South Sudan’s peace security arrangements under Intergovernmental Authority on Development.

The officer said his experience with the monitoring body strengthened his commitment to the protection of civilians, peacebuilding and respect for human rights.

“These acts are against the principles of peace, protection of civilians and respect for human rights,” he stated, explaining why he chose to return to the national army.

The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces command in Western Equatoria welcomed the development, describing the defection as a positive step toward strengthening stability in the state.

Maj. Gen. Bior Kuir Deng, the SSPDF commander in Western Equatoria, urged other officers still serving in opposition ranks to consider joining the national army in the interest of peace and national unity.

State Governor Rimbasa also welcomed the officer’s decision, reiterating his administration’s commitment to peace, dialogue and reconciliation across Western Equatoria.

The governor’s office said the state government remains supportive of initiatives that promote unity and reduce armed confrontation in the region.

Authorities indicated that more details regarding the defection and the circumstances surrounding it are expected to be released later.