14 soldiers killed as South Sudan’s peace forces clash in Abyei

JUBA – Fourteen soldiers were killed and at least 14 others wounded after fighting broke out between South Sudan’s unified forces in the disputed Abyei region over a love triangle, a military spokesman said on Wednesday.

Major General Lul Ruai Koang, spokesman for the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), told reporters in Juba that the incident occurred on Tuesday in Athony village, near Abyei Box, following a confrontation between an officer from the SSPDF and another from the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO).

“So, on the 6th, the Unified Forces, the VIP Protection Force, and some elements from both components had a misunderstanding at the market; it involved two officers, one from SSPDF and the other one from SPLA-IO,” Ruai said.

He said the violence erupted after an SPLA-IO officer allegedly shot and killed an SSPDF captain he accused of having an affair with his partner.

“There are two conflicting versions on the cause of the crisis. One version says it was purely a personal misunderstanding between the two officers at the tea places; they differed,” he said.

“And the first version says it was a love triangle; the two men were reported to be in an affair with one lady, so they started quarreling, and one opened fire. The officer from SPLA-IO opened fire on the officer at the SSPDF captain.”

Ruai said the officer’s bodyguards then exchanged gunfire, which quickly escalated into a broader confrontation involving other members of the unified forces.

“4 servicemen were wounded; they are currently receiving treatment at Turalei-Bombil, St. Teresa Hospital in the Abyei area. 5 servicemen were wounded, so based on this report, it appears like the conflict was not politically motivated,” he said.

According to Ruai, the fighting spread from the market to a nearby checkpoint and military barracks, leaving 14 soldiers dead — six from the SPLA-IO and eight from SSPDF.

“I have also received a report that one civilian was killed in crossfire, but the written report from our commander indicated only 14 servicemen were wounded,” he said.

Ruai added that SPLA-IO forces later withdrew from their positions following the incident.

For his part, SPLA-IO Spokesman Col. Lam Paul Gabriel confirmed the withdrawal of the SPLA-IO contingent of the unified forces deployed in Abyei, but did not give more information as to what led to the clashes.

“The SPLA-IO would like to welcome back members of the VIP protection forces who successfully defended themselves against the SSPDF in Abyei, Abiemnom and the other areas. This is a show of true patriotism and a determination to fight for true freedom for all suffering South Sudanese,” he said.

Abyei, a contested border region between Sudan and South Sudan, has long been a flashpoint for violence despite hosting elements of the country’s unified forces drawn from rival military factions.