8 military officers arrested for opposing General Ochan’s appointment as ‘special forces’ commander

JUBA – At least eight senior military officers of the defunct Provisional Military and Political Council (PMPC) previously led by General Ochan Puot have been arrested in Maiwut county over suspicion that the former opposition commander were trying to defect from Ochan as they previously opposed his appointment as commander of special forces last week.

Last week, President Salva Kiir Mayardit appointed Ochan as the commander of special forces in Maiwut sparking criticisms from the natives there who fears that the formation of the separate force from the SSPDF would cause instability in the area.

Speaking to Sudans Post this morning, a military source in Maiwut said eight military officers who had visited Pagak were arrested on return up the orders of General Ochan alleging that they were planning to defect from the former PMPC to the SSPDF.

“More than 8 officers from former PMPC, the political military provincial council were arrested last night in Maiwut county on the order of James Ochan Puot Buop,” the senior military officer who requested not to be named said.

“The officers were accused of protesting the appointment  of Ochan in the area which many of citizens including the politicians from Juba rejected it. They were  accused of trying to defect from Maiwut special  forces and switching their allegiance  to government  forces after their visit to  Pagak military headquarters two days ago,” he added.

The military officer said those arrested include Brig Gen. Peter Pal Nyoang Kier, Lt.Col Ngor chuol  Rial, 1st Lt. Keak Rolual, 1st Lt. Bang Kong Reat, Lt Col Simon  Duop Dhil Thoan, Lt. Col Gatluak Yang, Lt Col Gatluak Joak and Lt. Col. Wuor Tongyik.