In a statement dated 26 May 2026 and issued through army spokesperson Lul Ruai Koang, the SSPDF Chief of Defence Forces, Santino Deng Wol, said armed elements allied to the SPLA-IO attacked government forces in Waat and Motot areas of Jonglei State, as well as Morobo in Yei River County of Central Equatoria State.
The army said the attacks occurred despite its continued commitment to the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan.
“The Command of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) reaffirms its unwavering commitment to peace and the full implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS),” the statement read.
The military leadership also referred to an earlier communication issued on 11 May 2026, in which the SSPDF reiterated its commitment to peace and the integration of opposition forces into a unified national army.
“Regrettably, despite this continued commitment to peace, hostile actions have been recorded,” the statement added.
According to the SSPDF, the attacks by SPLA-IO forces and affiliated groups “represent serious violations of the ceasefire and undermine ongoing peace.”
The army, however, said it remained in control of the affected areas and insisted it was still committed to the peace process.
“Nevertheless, the SSPDF maintains its position of control and remains committed to the peace process,” the statement said.
The military further noted that while it remained committed to the peace agreement, it reserved the right to defend its forces against any aggression in accordance with international law and national regulations.
As a result, all SSPDF units across the country have been instructed to remain in defensive positions and respond only when attacked, according to the statement.
The accusations come amid persistent tensions and intermittent clashes involving signatories to the 2018 peace agreement, which was intended to end years of civil conflict and pave the way for security sector reforms, including the unification of rival armed forces into a single national army.
