By Yiep Joseph
Acting Chief of General Staff for the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLA-IO), Lt. Gen. Koang Gatkuoth Kerjiok has officially assumed the position of acting Deputy Chief of Defence Forces for the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF).
This appointment follows the detention of Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, the former SPLA-IO Chief of General Staff, who was arrested in connection with recent confrontations in Nasir.
Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, the SSPDF spokesperson stated that Lt. Gen. Gatkuoth has begun his duties.
“Lt. Gen. Koang Gatkuoth Kerjiok, Acting Deputy Chief of Defence Forces for SSPDF, who also doubles as the Acting Chief of General Staff for SPLA-IO, has, as of today, April 2nd, 2025, officially taken over the mantle of Command and has immediately started to discharge and perform functions/ duties assigned to him,” Lul said.
The position became vacant after the SSPDF confirmed the arrest of Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, who also served as the Co-chair of the Joint Defence Board (JDB), a crucial body overseeing the implementation of security arrangements outlined in the 2018 revitalized peace agreement.
Gen. Duop, currently detained in Juba, is affiliated with the SPLA-IO and is aligned with First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar.
However, the SPLA-IO has strongly condemned Lt. Gen. Gatkuoth’s appointment.
In a press statement recently, the opposition group denounced the move as a unilateral decision by the SSPDF leadership and the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Government (SPLM-IG).
“The SPLA-IO would like to inform its forces, the public, and the international community that the appointment of Lt Gen Koang Gatkuoth Kerjiok to the position of Deputy Chief of Defense Forces was unilaterally done by the CDF of the SSPDF and the SPLM-IG, with the intention of bringing division within the SPLA-IO,” it stated.
This replacement occurs against a backdrop of escalating tensions between the SSPDF and SPLA-IO.
The agreement, intended to end years of conflict, mandates the unification of forces, a process that has been plagued by delays and disagreements.