SPLA-IO establishes new cantonment site in southern Unity

JUBA – South Sudan’s main armed opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) has established a new cantonment site in Leer County of southern Unity State, according to a top commander.

The group’s Division 4B Commander Maj.-Gen. Gatgok Khor Riaka told Sudans Post on Friday morning that the cantonment site was set up on Wednesday to supplement the group’s cantonment site in Koch County, which was captured by the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) last year.

“We have officially established a new cantonment site in Rubkong south of Leer county and next to Mom military training center,” Gen. Gatgok said.

“This is our new assembly point to assemble our comrades and our soldiers. We are here for peace and unity, and we will not leave this area again unless we are told to go to the training center,” he added.

The senior opposition commander said the new cantonment site was established to cover Mirmir cantonment after the SPLA-IO was displaced in clashes there.

“The reason why we have formed this Rubkong cantonment site was to assemble our soldiers in one point to allow freedom of movement and civilians safety,” he said.

“Our mandates as Sudan people liberation movement in opposition SPLM-IO was to protect the civilians,” he added.

He further added that the new cantonment will act as an assembly point for SPLA-IO soldiers to allow free movement of civilians and local traders from Adok Port to Leer town.

The SPLM-IO Division 4B was stationed in Mirmir cantonment site according to the 2018 revitalized peace agreement.

However, due to several clashes between the SPLA-IO and its defectors, the SPLA-IO lost control of the Mirmir cantonment site in Koch County.