By William Madouk
Spokesperson of South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), Maj Gen Lul Ruai Koang, reported that around 70 SSPDF soldiers who escaped the Nasir skirmishes sought refuge under civilian protection in Ulang and Akobo counties, respectively.
“As we speak, we have over 71 soldiers of SSPDF that survived the attack in Nasir,” Lul told journalists yesterday.
“They will be receiving protection from members of the community in Ulang, traditional chiefs, and leaders of the white army from Ulang. We have also received some in Akobo County of Jonglei State,” he added.
He added that they had agreed with the local population in Akobo County to escort those who arrived there. However, this was put on hold yesterday after SPLA-IO reportedly interfered in the process.
Gen. Lul alleged that the SPLA-IO commander of Division 8, Maj. Gen. James Otong Walgak was instructed by Machar to escort the soldiers but the local population refused, stating that they could not guarantee their safety.
“The process was resisted by the local community because their safety could not be guaranteed if they were taken by a third party,” he echoed.
“The local population said they would either escort the soldiers from point A to the SPLA-IO base, or the soldiers would be picked up directly from where they are to be taken to Juba,”he said.
“Dr. Riek promised that he would provide an aeroplane this morning. So we are hoping that this will not end the way it did in Nasir,” he added.
“So, I’m telling you in advance, if it ends similar to the way it had ended in Nasir, you would know it is Riek Machar that has started interfering with extraction operations of our security forces.”