SSPDF denies imminent relocation from Bentiu amid tensions with SPLA-IO

BENTIU – The South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF) has quashed rumors of plans to relocate its 4^th Infantry Division headquarters from Bentiu, the capital of Unity State, in the wake of recent tensions with the main armed opposition SPLA-IO.

Whispers had been swirling in Bentiu that the SSPDF, following a recent flare-up in the state capital, was contemplating a move to Duar, Koch County, which housed the division headquarters before South Sudan’s independence in 2011.

These speculations, fueled by anxieties within the opposition, suggested the relocation was aimed at de-escalating tensions by placing the division further from civilian settlements in Rubkona County.

However, Maj. Gen. Manyang Mayak, the division commander, firmly dismissed these claims as unfounded, attributing them to opposition unease following directives for their forces to return to designated cantonment areas in light of the Bentiu tensions.

“There is absolutely no truth to the rumors of a relocation to Duar,” Gen. Manyang told Sudans Post on Sunday from the division headquarters in Bentiu. “These rumors are being peddled by the opposition after they were instructed to return to their cantonment areas due to the rising tensions.”

While acknowledging the historical presence of the division headquarters in Duar, Gen. Manyang explained the relocation to Bentiu in the aftermath of the 2011 independence and subsequent clashes with Sudanese forces.

“Historically, yes, the division four headquarters was located in Duar,” he confirmed. “However, our move to Bentiu was necessitated by the clashes with Sudanese forces along the border. Duar was simply too far away to effectively support our frontline soldiers.”

Further fueling the relocation rumors was the alleged involvement of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in pushing for the move as a means to prevent civilian casualties in the event of potential hostilities between the SSPDF and SPLA-IO.

Gen. Manyang countered this claim, stating that relocating the division would not address the issue of civilian safety, as civilians are present throughout the country, including in Duar.

“Relocating the division headquarters is not a solution to the tensions between the rival forces,” Maj. Gen. Mayak emphasized. “We are fully committed to upholding the peace agreement in both letter and spirit, and relocation is not part of that plan.”