South Sudan opposition commander defends Bentiu withdrawal, citing civilian safety

BENTIU – The commander of the main armed opposition SPLA-IO’s Division 4A, Maj. Gen. John Turuk Khor, has defended his recent withdrawal from Unity State’s capital Bentiu, attributing it to the protection of civilians.

On December 15^th, Governor Joseph Manytuil reportedly requested Turuk and his troops to leave Bentiu after the general allegedly refused to defect to the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF).

Turuk and his troops, along with several new defectors, relocated to Tong, a kilometer northwest of the state capital.

Addressing his troops on Friday during a Christmas gathering at Tong, Turuk emphasized that his withdrawal aimed to prevent clashes with the SSPDF, which he asserted would have devastating consequences for civilians.

“While I hold a significant force, and the SPLA-IO presence extends across Unity State, my withdrawal shouldn’t be misinterpreted as weakness. It was a courageous decision made for the well-being of our people,” he declared to the hundreds of soldiers present.

“So, we decided to withdraw from Bentiu town because of the safety and well-being of the people of Unity State. It is their right to live free and secure their properties,” he added.

Turuk arrived in Bentiu in 2021 as part of the reunification efforts within the South Sudanese peace process.

While thousands of his troops have been integrated into the SSPDF, their deployment as stipulated in the revitalized peace agreement is yet to occur.