![SPLA-IO soldiers who joined Kiir with Gen. Khor Chuol. [Photo via Facebook]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/C74A1362-6E4D-4CC3-9CC9-2DBE5E092A84.jpeg?ssl=1)
JUBA — A group of fifty-six (56) soldiers belonging to the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) led by First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny has declared its defection from the main armed opposition group to General Khor Chuol who defected to the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces last week.
General Khor Chuol was the commander of the SPLA-IO forces in Greater Maiwut when fighting erupted between different SPLA-IO factions in August 2018 ahead of the signing of the revitalized peace agreement the following month.
In a statement today, Colonel Thuok Gatluak Liey, a SPLA-IO officer in Maiwut said he has made a decision to join General Chuol who declared his allegiance to President Kiir early this month along with 56 soldiers.
“I would like to take this opportunity to make it clearly to the world to know that, I have defected from SPLA IO under the leadership of arrogant, ungodly and slogan leader Dr. Riek Machar Teny and rejoin the government of South Sudan under the leadership of Salva Kiir Mayardit the president of republic of South Sudan,” Col. Thuok said in the statement.
“We are under the move taken by Maj. Gen. James Khor Chuol Giet, with one (01) Col, three (08) Lt. Cols and other officers NCOS and Men’s; in number 56 soldiers. Now we report ourselves to Pagak SSPDF main base on date 18/08/2021,” he added.
He further claimed that his decision along with the 56 soldiers are in “support to peace implementation and root out the activities of Dr. Riek Machar Teny in the area of greater Gajaak.”
