SSPDF kicks off integration of ex-rebel forces in Unity State

JUBA – South Sudan’s army has started the integration of former rebel forces belonging to General Ruai Kuol Jal – a former lawmaker who also served as an opposition governor of Unity state – into its rank and file, according to an opposition spokesman.

In September last year, General Ruai dissolved his National People’s Alliance Movement (NPAM) and rejoined the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) led by President Salva Kiir Mayardit. His forces have since not been integrated into the SSPDF however.

He was reappointed into parliament last week.

In 2017, Ruai disagreed with then rebel leader Dr. Riek Machar Teny following his dismissal as governor of the opposition group in the oil-rich Unity state and went on to form a separate opposition group, before joining President Salva Kiir Mayardit two years later.

Currently, almost 7000 troops belonging to him are stationed at Tong, a small village West of Bentiu town, the capital of Unity state.

Speaking to Sudans Post in an interview on Thursday evening, Brigadier General James Dak Liem, a spokesman for the NPAM, said a team send by Bilpam has started the integration process since two days ago and will continue the process throughout the week.

“6800 forces of NPAM that are in Tong military base under the leadership of Robert Ruai Kuol have officially began the process of integration into the SSPDF. The process started about two days now and will end after one week,” Brigadier General James Dak stated.

“The ministry of defense has sent a committee led by General Aweng and that committee comprises of different security bodies such as the police, wildlife, army, and others,” the opposition spokesman added.

He expressed their happiness for the start of the process.

“We in Tong military base under the command of Gen. Madit Gal Doh, the Chief of General Staff of our forces, are very happy for our integration, as well as the decision of our chairman to dissolve out party and joint the SPLM-IG under the leadership of President Salva Kiir Mayardit,” he said.

“We also thank, the President of Republic Salva Kiir Mayardit for allowing us to participate in the national army of the South Sudan because we broke away from the SPLM-IO led by Dr. Riek Machar Teny in 2017,” the statement added.