SSPDF sends investigative team to probe clash in Nasir

JUBA – The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) has dispatched an investigative team led by Deputy Chief of Defense Forces for Training, Lt. Gen. James Koang Chuol, to Nasir County in Upper Nile State to probe clashes over the weekend between the SSPDF and locals.

The conflict erupted on February 10, 2024, at a fishing pool, allegedly after an SSPDF member fatally shot a young man attempting to remove youths from the area.

The violence extended to Nasir town the next day, resulting in the deaths of at least five SPLA-IO soldiers and three civilians, along with significant property damage, including the destruction of County Commissioner Duol Kun Thian’s residence.

Speaking to Sudans Post today, SSPDF Spokesman Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang announced the formation of a high-level investigation committee headed by Gen. Koang.

The committee is tasked with conducting a thorough inquiry into the clashes and presenting its findings and recommendations to the army leadership in Juba.

“The Chief of Defense Forces, Gen. Santino Deng Wol, has responded by establishing a high-level investigation committee led by Gen. James Koang Chuol. This team will conduct a comprehensive investigation, compile their findings, and provide recommendations regarding the events there,” he said.

While Lul did not confirm whether the committee had departed for Nasir, local officials reported that no team had yet arrived.

Nonetheless, one official claimed they had been informed of General Koang’s appointment as the committee’s head.