Fighting erupts between SSPDF and SPLA-IO in northern Unity State

UNITY – Intense fighting broke out on Monday afternoon between South Sudan’s main peace parties, the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the main armed opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO), in Northern Unity State. Fleeing civilians reported ongoing clashes as of 12:40 PM local time.

“The fighting started around 12:15 near Nyuelnyuel. Three forces attacked the base: one under General Tito Biel Wiech, another from Parieng, and a third SSPDF unit already stationed there alongside SPLA-IO,” said a resident who reached Unity oilfield after escaping the violence.

Another displaced resident arriving from Nyuelnyuel confirmed ongoing gunfire as late as 12:40 PM and added that fears of an attack had been brewing for over a week due to SSPDF troop movements.

“We’ve been living in fear for the past week. This escalated after [SSPDF Division Four Commander] William Manyang Mayak came to Nyuelnyuel demanding SPLA-IO forces leave. A few days later, deployed SSPDF units withdrew, leaving only SPLA-IO soldiers,” she elaborated.

“Since then, there’s been a sense of unease. This base belonged to SPLA-IO under the peace agreement, and as a gesture of good faith, they allowed SSPDF soldiers to share it. Now, the fighting is still ongoing,” she added.

Contacted by Sudans Post, SPLA-IO Division 4A commander General John Turuk Khor blamed the attack on SSPDF Division Four commanders and the Unity State governor, accusing them of pressuring his forces to leave or face consequences.

“This threat has been hanging over us since last week. When the governor ordered Division Four commander to remove my forces, we knew something was brewing. Now they’ve attacked us,” he stated.

General George Gatthuoy Thak, SPLA-IO sector two commander, echoed this sentiment, separately alleging the governor’s direct involvement and the participation of forces loyal to General Tito Biel Wich under the Joknyang Declaration.

“The SSPDF attackers came from Bentiu. Some belong to Simon Maguek’s forces, but most are under Tit Biel. The governor, as the state leader, bears responsibility,” he asserted.

Attempts to reach SSPDF commanders like Manyang and army spokesman Maj.-Gen. Lul Ruai Koang for comment were unsuccessful at the time of writing.

Nyuelnyuel, also referred to as Barkuor, is an SPLA-IO base that was turned into a join base in 2021 following the signing of the revitalized peace agreement in 2018.

The two forces have been living together in that area until when SPLA-IO commanders in Unity State refused a government request to join the SSPDF. SSPDF Division four commander Manyang last week approached the area and asked SPLA-IO forces to leave.