Hundreds of Real-SPLM rebel troops join SPLA-IO

JUBA – A battalion of troops from the opposition Real Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (Real-SPLM), led by General Pagan Amum Okiech, has defected to the main armed opposition group, SPLA-IO, led by South Sudan’s First Vice President, in Upper Nile State.

Brigadier General Chiok Moses Mun, the force commander, said in a recorded statement on Wednesday that he and his forces decided to switch sides due to leadership failures under Pagan Amum and in response to calls for peace in the country.

“This is to inform the general public that we have declared our allegiance from the Real SPLM to the people’s movement led by His Excellency Dr. Riek Machar Teny, the First Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan,” he said.

The SPLA-IO’s 5th Infantry Division of Sector Four confirmed the defection in a separate statement, welcoming the troops and saying their decision supports efforts to build a professional national army.

“This is to inform the SPLM/A-IO and the general public that today, at the SPLA-IO Sector Four and Five Infantry Division military headquarters in Wangkuarbiey, we received newly defected officers and NCOs. At least one battalion, commanded by Brigadier General Chiok Moses Mun Kuon, has reported to our barracks, with a total parade of 764 well-equipped officers and NCOs,” the statement said.

“Our purpose in welcoming them is to support the peaceful implementation of the peace agreement and work towards an inclusive national army under South Sudan’s National Army Law, free from any mindset of targeting civilians,” it added.

Chiok said the troops had left Real-SPLM positions in Kotkee, Maban, Akobo, and Bethlehem. The SPLA-IO said it “remains open to anyone willing to join and stands as a movement for all South Sudanese.