By Yiep Joseph
South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) has refuted allegations against General James Akech Adim of Division 6 and Brigadier General James Nando on fueling conflict in Western Equatoria.
SSPDF Spokesman Major-General Lul Ruai Koang told reporters on Monday that the claims are false and that recent clashes were a result of efforts to dismantle illegal checkpoints.
“Closely linked with the operations on the removal of roadblocks, we came across a very long WhatsApp message. It was a very serious allegation against two senior generals from SSPDF: Major General James Akech Adim, Division 6 Commander, and Brigadier General James Nando, the one in charge of the second mobile infantry brigade,” he explained.
He expressed that the two generals were alleged to be attacking SPLA-IO under the influence of politicians, a statement he denied, citing it was baseless.
“I got in touch with the accused officers to hear their side of the story, and with the information I got from them and the approval from the commander of SSPDF, I would like to take this opportunity to dismiss such allegations against our officers that are mentioned,” Lul said.
He claimed that the two generals are for peace and protection of the civilians, adding that any person implicating them with no evidence would be taken to court.
“We would like to give a strong warning to those who are out there damaging the image of the national army: we get all of you, and we will take measures, including legal action,” he said.
Gen. Lul stated that the army has no link with the politicians and therefore the generals are not part of any political disagreement in Western Equatoria.
He added that the SSPDF in Western Equatoria, as well as other areas, is committed to removing all the roadblocks as agreed in the 8th governor’s forum as well as directed by the president.
Lul claimed that the SSPDF entered confrontations with SPL-IO forces in the process of removing the roadblock.
He claimed that the SPLA-IO forces are beneficiaries of the taxes collected from roadblocks and hence refuse the operation in regards to the removal of roadblocks.
Over the weekend, Nagero County Commissioner Henry Bangada accused SSPDF soldiers of attacking civilians in Western Equatoria, where fighting between the SSPDF and SPLA-IO continued.
Bangada expressed suspicion that the SSPDF was responsible for recent killings and called for urgent intervention to protect the local population.
“Nagero, Saturday 08/02/2025: On Friday, February 7, 2025, the SSPDF Forces carried out barbaric and inhumane attacks under the command of Major General James Akech Adim, Division 6 Commander, and Brigadier General James Nando. Their forces stormed Nagero County in a brutal operation, terrorizing civilians, burning homes, looting businesses, and committing gross human rights violations,” the commissioner said.
“Innocent people were subjected to severe beatings, resulting in the tragic death of seven individuals. The executive director of the county was also seriously assaulted and is now in critical condition,” he added.
The commissioner condemned the act, citing that many people were displaced while the brutality continued in the area.
“I condemn this barbaric and inhuman acts in the strongest term possible. The brutality does not end there. Three traders were violently robbed of their goods and cash amounting to a sum of 17,350,000 SSP. These crimes are not only acts of terror against the people of Nagero County but also a direct assault on peace, stability, and the rule of law,” he said.
The commissioner called for the relocation of the SSPDF forces.
“I call for the immediate withdrawal of SSPDF forces from Kubiri Bou to prevent further atrocities against civilians,” he said.