According to an official statement released this week, Governor Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa has stepped up engagement with military commanders and former opposition leaders to finalize the long-delayed integration process.
The governor, accompanied by SSPDF Division Six commanders and former SPLA-IO Sector Six leadership, met officers who defected in 2025 and are still awaiting formal absorption into the national army.
During a visit to Brigade 16, Rimbasa said delays in integrating the ex-combatants had left some armed personnel without clear deployment or command structures, a situation he linked to insecurity in parts of the state.
“We cannot leave forces without organization. Once integrated, they will contribute positively to peace and stability in our communities,” the governor said.
The remarks highlight growing concerns among state officials that idle armed groups, even those aligned with the peace process, could become a source of instability if not properly managed.
Governor Rimbasa further disclosed that preparations are underway to send some officers to Juba for official ranking and promotion as part of the national military unification process.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to complete the exercise and submit the necessary reports to the relevant national authorities.
The integration push follows the high-profile defection in April 2025 of former SPLM-IO Sector Six Commander Edward Razig Joseph, who crossed over with more than 1,280 fighters.
Razig said the ongoing process was advancing steadily and described it as an important milestone toward lasting peace.
“The process is progressing steadily,” he said, adding that the move represents “a step toward unity and stability.”
Meanwhile, Brigadier General Abel Mathew Mbaraza, who chairs the Division Six integration and mobilization committee, said the process was nearing completion.
“This is a peaceful process for the good of the country. We encourage all forces to come forward,” Mbaraza said.
He added that a formal report would soon be submitted to authorities in Juba and appealed to remaining SPLA-IO fighters still in the bush to join the exercise, assuring them of safety.
