By William Madouk
South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) has urged military officers allied to Dr. Riek Machar to return to their duties after allegations surfaced that some had fled into hiding following the recent fighting in Nasir.
Maj-Gen Lul Ruai Koang, spokesperson for the SSPDF, stated that several officers deserted their posts after the confrontation in Nasir, which resulted in the arrest of Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, Deputy Chief of Staff of the SSPDF and acting Chief of Staff of the SPLA-IO.
“After Nasir was overrun and the Assistant CDF, Lt Gen Gabriel Duop, …along with some components of SPLA-IO that were integrated into the system during the unification of the second level of command, they started fearing, especially those who have been fuelling and funding the conflict in Nasser,” Lul said.
He noted that individuals who believed they had contributed to the insecurity in Nasir, whether through mobilization or financial support, fled to hiding places or the nearest SPLA-IO containment areas in Juba.
“As we speak now, we have the Deputy Director General for National Security, ISB, Lt-Gen Yei Dau, who was in charge of operations, fled up to Luo Nuer area with his bodyguards,” he revealed.
Lul stated that some former opposition officers absorbed into the SSPDF and other organized forces as part of the first-level command went into hiding out of fear.
He appealed to them to return to work, emphasizing that all integrated forces are an essential part of the current security setup and therefore have no reason to be afraid.
“Technically speaking, in terms of organization, they are part of SSPDF and the organized forces. But psychologically and mentally, they are still SPLA-IO, and that’s why they took off,” he said.
“So, we are appealing to them, to those who went as far as Luo Nuer area, to come back. Those who are around, you come back, come and resume your normal work, starting from the day this appeal is made and it’s spread,” he stated.
The appeal comes amid heightened tensions in Juba and other parts of the country after a deadly incident during a United Nations evacuation operation in Nasir on Friday.
Major General Majur Dak, an SSPDF commander in Nasir, and several soldiers were killed during the operation. A UN crew member also lost their life.
The evacuation was part of efforts to de-escalate tensions following clashes between the SSPDF and the White Army, a loosely organized armed youth group from the Nuer community.
The government has linked the White Army to the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO), led by First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar.