17 generals denounce unfair SSPDF integration practices, defect to SPLA-IO

JUBA – A group of 17 senior military officers, formerly part of the National People’s Alliance Movement/Army (NPAM/A), has announced their return to the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO).

These officers, who defected from the SPLA-IO to form NPAM/A in 2017, declared their reintegration during a ceremony in Tong, Rubkona, on Monday.

Maj. Gen. Duer Kuol, a prominent figure among the returning officers, expressed their grievances, citing the government’s failure to integrate them into the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and organize their forces effectively.

“The government has failed to organize our forces during the Tong mobilization. They also failed from Kuerbuokna organization and Nyuenypiw organizations,” Maj. Gen. Duer stated.

“We are informing the public across the country or ten states that the government has failed to fulfill our needs. There is nothing rather than SPLA-IO to maintain the dignity of South Sudan,” he added.

The defection of these senior military officers, led by Lt. Gen. Ngot Yoay Puol, is a significant development that could have a major impact on the ongoing conflict in South Sudan.

NPAM was an opposition group formed in 2017 by former SPLM-IO governor of Unity State Ruai Kuol Jal following his dismissal from the position by SPLM-IO leader and current First Vice President Riek Machar Teny.

After its formation, NPAM signed a peace agreement with the government, and its leader Kuol joined the ruling party after being promised that his forces would be integrated into the SSPDF.

South Sudan government’s failure to address the grievances of various factions, including the NPAM, has contributed to the persistence of conflict and instability.

There were tensions last week in Bentiu, the capital of Unity State, after the government there ordered opposition forces who had gone to the tone as part of the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement to evacuate the area to avoid clashes.

The situation there is still tense, and the defection of these senior military officers could have significant implications for the security situation in the area.