SPLA-IO soldiers disarmed over alleged plot to attack Tambura, says commissioner

JUBA – The recent deployment of South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF) troops to Tambura County, Western Equatoria State, has led to the disarmament of SPLA-IO fighters and a restoration of relative calm, according to the county commissioner.

The area had experienced renewed violence between rival ethnic militias, resulting in the displacement of over 50,000 people.

Speaking to Sudans Post on Wednesday, Mathew Mabenge, the Tambura County Commissioner, alleged that a battalion from the SSPDF deployed to the area has disarmed SPLA-IO soldiers who were allegedly planning to attack Tambura.

“This disarmament of opposition forces has contributed to the restoration of calm in the area,” Mabenge stated.

“President Salva Kiir Mayardit, in coordination with SSPDF Chief of Staff Santino Deng Wol and 6th Infantry Division Commander James Akech, deployed these forces around Tambura. The forces that were sent have managed to disarm members of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) who were planning to attack Tambura County.”

The ongoing conflict in Tambura County began in June 2021 and involves the Balanda community, backed by the SPLA-IO, and the Azande community, supported by the SSPDF forces led by former SPLA-IO commander James Nando, who defected to the SSPDF.

According to the commissioner, at least 19 individuals affiliated with the SPLA-IO have been neutralized since the most recent fighting began.

When contacted by Sudans Post, Western Equatoria State Information Minister Isaac Mursal said he is not aware of any arrests made against the SPLA-IO and dismissed any association of the group with the violence.

“This is not true. The SPLA-IO has nothing to do with the violence here which is politically motivated. I am not aware of the said arrest of SPLA-IO soldiers and the government is working in order the full clam return to the state,” he said.

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has intensified its presence in the area.

The UN recently announced that it “dispatched an additional 76 military peacekeepers to reinforce the Tambura temporary base, protect displaced families, and boost patrols in the surrounding area.”

UNMISS is also reportedly “engaging with political actors and community leaders at the local and national levels to reduce tension and restore calm in Tambura town.”

The 2021 clashes between the Balanda and Azande communities displaced an estimated 80,000 civilians, according to UNMISS.