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A video seen by Sudans Post showed SSPDF soldiers celebrating at the site. A soldier in the footage pointed to Gen. James Naando, who appeared with other SSPDF officers, and claimed they took control of Rangu at 7 a.m.
“This is Gen. James Naando and his colleagues. We captured Rangu this morning at 7 a.m. SSPDF Oyee! Oyee!” the soldier said in the footage in which General Naando appears sitting with other SSPDF officers at the cantonment site.
The SPLA-IO said a day earlier that the SSPDF attacked the cantonment site while pursuing former governor Alfred Futuyo, who was removed from his position on Monday night and fled Yambio. Local sources said Futuyo may have sought refuge at the Rangu base after his residence was attacked.
Residents reported heavy gunfire, including machine gun fire, in the Rangu area on Wednesday as SSPDF forces pursued Futuyo.
Futuyo’s removal has increased tensions in Western Equatoria. While some residents welcomed President Salva Kiir’s decision, analysts warned it could undermine the peace agreement and destabilize the country.
SPLA-IO leader Riek Machar has called for Futuyo’s reinstatement, urging Kiir to reverse his decision.
