JUBA— About 300 soldiers, including eight commanders, from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO) led by First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar on Wednesday defected to the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF).
The soldiers, who had been trained at military camps in Rajab and Lalogo, were under the command of Brigadier General Bol, SPLM-IO’s former mobilization and organization leader.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday in Juba, Brigadier General Gabriel Bol Anuer stated that their decision was driven by a duty to uphold South Sudan’s unity and security.
He criticized SPLM-IO’s internal dysfunction, noting that it had deviated from its original vision.
“This decision reflects our commitment to peace and unity in South Sudan,” he declared. “I pledge my loyalty, and that of over 500 forces under my command, to President Salva Kiir Mayardit.”
Brigadier General Compeo Andrea Matia accused the SPLM-IO leadership of persistent tribalism, nepotism, and a lack of clear direction as key reasons for their decision.
“We can no longer tolerate leadership that prioritizes personal gains over the welfare of soldiers and citizens.”
For his part, David John Kumuri, the director of public relations at the Internal Security Bureau of the National Security who received defectors on behalf of the government, said that the defection of IO forces to the government is crucial for maintaining peace, harmony, and tranquility in the country.
Kumuri reaffirmed the government’s commitment to integrating all armed forces under a single national military structure, highlighting that no country can function with two separate armies.
