In a statement issued on Monday, Gen. Santino, the Chief of Defence Forces, said the move targets former rebel forces that “abandoned rebellion” and pledged allegiance to the government during his earlier tenure, but have not yet been formally integrated.
“Following my assumption of office as Chief of Defence Forces, I wish to inform all former opposition allied forces that abandoned rebellion, pledged allegiance to the Government of the Republic of South Sudan during my previous tenure, and have not yet been integrated, are urged to remain prepared for further directives regarding reporting to designated training centers for reorganization and integration into SSPDF and the organized forces,” the statement reads.
The announcement comes amid renewed efforts by the government to consolidate armed groups under one national command structure, a key provision of the 2018 revitalised peace agreement aimed at ending years of civil conflict.
Among the groups named in the statement are the Agwelek Forces under Lt. Gen. Johnson Olony in Malakal, several Lou Nuer factions under commanders Lt. Gen. Deng Yiech Thanypiny, Maj. Gen. Mabor Dhol, Maj. Gen. Michael Wal Nyak, and Maj. Gen. Kiir Jok, as well as forces loyal to Maj. Gen. Lual Yor in Molbok.
Other groups mentioned include fighters under Maj. Gen. Deng Awuk Abuok in Bahr el Ghazal, armed groups operating in parts of Equatoria, including Yei, Maridi, Koda and Mundri, and forces under Gen. Simon Maguek Gai in Leer County of Unity State.
Gen. Santino urged all the listed groups to remain on standby pending additional instructions from the army command.
“All the above-mentioned groups are urged to remain on standby pending further directives,” he said.
The army chief also appealed for national unity and peaceful coexistence, saying South Sudan belongs to all its citizens regardless of political or military affiliation.
“South Sudan belongs to all South Sudanese, and there is room for every citizen in building a peaceful, united, and prosperous nation. Let us embrace peace, unity, and development instead of violence and unnecessary conflict,” he added.
The integration of rival forces into a unified national army has faced repeated delays since the signing of the peace agreement, with disputes over command structures, training, funding, and deployment slowing implementation.
Gen. Santino was recently reappointed as Chief of Defence Forces following changes within the top military leadership, and his latest directive is likely to be viewed as an attempt to revive stalled security arrangements under the peace deal.
