By William Madouk
Renewed clashes have ensued between South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and Sudan People’s Liberation Army–In Opposition (SPLA-IO) in Western Bahr el Ghazal state.
The clashes reported, erupted on Wednesday during an operation to dismantle illegal checkpoints.
The two sides have presented contrasting narratives of the events that led to the clashes.
Col. Lam Paul Gabriel, SPLA-IO Spokesperson, accused the SSPDF of a continued pattern of aggression, claiming that their position was attacked by the SSPDF on Wednesday morning in Western Bahr el Ghazal State.
“The SSPDF force in Boo bridge this morning [Wednesday] at about 6:00 AM launched another heavy attack against the SPLA-IO areas of Ngolanva, Rafili and Tirga in Western Bahr El Ghazal State causing massive displacement of civilians,” he said.
He stated that this attack followed a random shelling that occurred the evening of Tuesday, January 21, 2025, allegedly carried out by the SSPDF.
Col. Lam accused the SSPDF of having a hidden agenda under the pretext of closing checkpoints.
“This a full-scale war campaign by the SSPDF in the name of closing checkpoints; Something that could have been handled peacefully and administratively,” he noted.
“It should also be noted that the SPLA-IO has time and again called upon the JDB and the CTSAMVM for an urgent intervention but to no avail. This is a clear sign of hidden plans to derail the agreement,” he continued.
The SPLA-IO urged the Joint Defence Board (JDB) and the security monitoring body, CTSAMVM, to convene an urgent meeting to address the ongoing violations.
Lam further stated that if no action is taken, “the SPLA-IO forces have the full right to defend themselves.”
In rebuttal, Maj-Gen Lul Ruai, the SSPDF spokesperson, dismissed allegations that the army attacked SPLA-IO. He stated that the incident was a result of the resistance from SPLA-IO forces during the checkpoint elimination exercises.
“It wasn’t an attack on their position. You know, we were continuing with the dismantling of illegal road checkpoints along the road, all the way from Nagero up to Wau,” said Gen. Ruai.
“Along that road, they erected illegal checkpoints that each time we wanted to dismantle it, that’s when the resistance fired at us. So, it is the resistance that has started ago that is continuing,” he added.
Gen. Ruai noted that so far, the joint forces had managed to dismantle four checkpoints manned by SPLA-IO.
He questioned why the SPLA-IO forces opposed the removal of checkpoints as outlined in the resolutions of the eighth Governor’s Forum.
General Ruai stated that FVP Dr. Riek Machar, who also chairs the governance cluster, along with the governors, reached that resolution, noting that it is puzzling to see that his forces are resisting the decision.
“So, we are implementing a resolution that was spearheaded and induced by the chairman and commander-in-chief of SPLM-IO. So, it is a mind-boggling development that the same person that spearheaded the process, his forces, the forces under his command, are resisting,” he inquires.
Army spokesman revealed that two SSPDF servicemen are nursing gunshot wounds in their legs, asserting that he doesn’t know the causalities for their peace partners, the SPLA-IO.
Reacting to the alleged secret agenda, Gen. Ruai said “It is untrue, why are we not attacking SPLA-IO positions in other areas? Alright, let them not use terminologies that are inciting forces to fight.”
“It is about the removal of roadblocks. We have no problem with SPLA-IO forces that are in their control areas. We have not been attacking any. So, you can tell that these are pure exaggerations,” he said.
Gen. Ruai clarified that the removal of checkpoints was an order from the presidency, including the Chairman and Commanding Chief of SPLA-IO.
“So, if SPLA-IO forces are undermining the Presidency, we have the mandate to enforce the Presidential orders,” he added.
On January 13, renewed fighting broke out between the SSPDF and SPLA-IO in Nagero County, Western Equatoria State, resulting in multiple casualties and civilian property losses.
About 15 civilians and five SPLA-IO soldiers were killed during the clashes.