Simon Maguek relocates to SSPDF division headquarters in Bentiu

BENTIU – General Simon Maguek Gai, a commander in the South Sudanese army, has arrived in Bentiu, the capital of Unity State, amidst escalating tensions between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO).

Following his defection to the SSPDF in early October, Maguek, previously an SPLA-IO sector two commander, triggered a conflict for control over parts of Leer County in November, setting him against his former colleagues in the main armed opposition.

Eyewitnesses, speaking to Sudans Post separately on Thursday afternoon, revealed Maguek’s arrival at Baar, the headquarters of the SSPDF’s 4^th Infantry Division, commanding a force estimated to range between 80 and 150 soldiers.

Also, security sources within the SSPDF infantry division headquarters confirmed Maguek’s arrival and further said another contingent commanded by Gen. Dok Wanjang, associated with Simon Maguek, was sent to Rotriak, situated 35 kilometers north of the capital Bentiu, accompanied by 300 soldiers.

“A force under General Simon Maguek arrived in Baar on Wednesday morning. Maguek was personally present among the troops. The unit comprises approximately soldiers, and Gen. Dok Wanjang operates as the commanding officer under Maguek,” said one security officer.

The security source said Maguek has remained in Baar since his arrival in Bentiu, but his forces have been deployed to Rotriak, just near to the SPLA-IO forces stationed in an area there.

“Maguek is currently stationed in Baar, while his forces have been positioned in Rotriak, located in northern Bentiu, near the Sudanese border. They are still stationed there presently. And I am not sure if he (Maguek) is deployed to Baar,” said the source.

SPLA-IO Division 4A General Turuk Khor Kuai informed Sudans Post on Friday that they have intelligence reports confirming the arrival of a battalion-sized force in Baar from southern Unity State, which they have identified as General Simon Maguek Gai’s force.

The senior opposition commander further mentioned that most soldiers of Gen. Maguek, mostly armed youth from Koch, Leer, and Mayendit in southern Unity State, have been positioned near their forces in northern Bentiu.

“Most of them are youths from Mayendit, Koch, and Leer County. We anticipate they might provoke our forces here in Tong, where we are stationed following the provocations in Bentiu,” he stated.

Turuk urged the international community and the signatories to the revitalized peace agreement to monitor the evolving situation in Bentiu, emphasizing their intolerance towards any attack on their forces.

“The international community, the national government, President Salva Kiir Mayardit, and His Excellency Dr. Riek Machar Teny, the first vice president, need to pay attention to the situation in Bentiu. If they come to Tong, we will defend ourselves,” he asserted.

“We don’t desire war, committed as we are to implementing the peace agreement. But if circumstances compel us, we will defend ourselves, as everyone has the crucial human right to protect themselves from threats to their lives,” he added.

Turuk refuted allegations suggesting the opposition’s involvement in the rumors regarding the relocation of the SSPDF’s 4th Infantry Division back to Duar. He clarified that it was a government plan to move the division headquarters due to its proximity to civilians.

Responding to Sudans Post, SSPDF Division 4 commander General Manyang Mayak dismissed the claims as opposition propaganda. He clarified that their previously absent forces had returned and highlighted that Maguek is now an SSPDF officer who could be deployed anywhere.

“What happened is that SSPDF soldiers who had previously left have returned. Simon Maguek is now an SSPDF commander. It is our prerogative to decide where and when he is deployed. No external entity can dictate that to us. However, he has not been deployed to any specific location,” he explained.

These developments occur amid heightened tensions between the SSPDF and the SPLA-IO in Bentiu, following recent clashes in Leer that led to the demise of a senior SSPDF commander.

The Unity State administration also urged SPLA-IO commanders, including Gen. Turuk, who arrived in the town under peace arrangements in 2021, to vacate the area.

General Turuk and his forces chose to withdraw to Tong, located a few kilometers outside Rubkona and Bentiu towns. Their decision, according to Gen. Turuk, aimed to minimize civilian casualties in potential conflicts between the two forces.