Over 150 government troops desert deployment in Upper Nile

BOR – At least 150 soldiers from South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) have deserted their deployment in Nasir County of the country’s Upper Nile State and moved towards the Greater Pibor Administrative Area, officials said on Monday.

Government and opposition sources said the soldiers, believed to be mainly from the Murle ethnic group, arrived in Akobo County in Jonglei State over the weekend after leaving their posts in Nasir.

Initial reports suggested the deserters intended to defect to the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO), the main armed opposition group led by detained First Vice President Riek Machar Teny.

However, SPLA-IO spokesman Colonel Lam Paul Gabriel denied the claims, saying in a statement extended to Sudans Post yesterday night that his group only facilitated their safe passage.

“The SPLA-IO would like to inform the public that, on May 25, its forces facilitated and gave safe passage to 147 SSPDF soldiers who deserted from Nasir town,” Lam said in a statement seen by Sudans Post.

“The deserters chose to go to Greater Pibor since they are all Murle who were conscripted in Juba, flown to Malakal, and then deployed to Nasir,” he added.

He said the soldiers moved through Wanding and Akobo before being left in Nyandit, a border area between Jonglei and Greater Pibor.

Lam praised SPLA-IO commander Maj. Gen. Utong for “saving the lives of innocent civilians who were forcefully armed to fight a tribal war on behalf of the elites in Juba.”

Jonglei State Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, William Kuol Chol, confirmed the incident to Sudans Post, and said the deserters were continuing their journey toward Greater Pibor.

“Yes, there are SSPDF soldiers in Akobo County, and boats have taken them to Nyandit near the border with Greater Pibor. Most of them are Murle, with a few from other tribes,” Kuol told Sudans Post.

He said the group was likely heading to Likuangole and that about 175 soldiers were involved.

“They have a commander, but it is not clear who is in charge,” he added.

The desertion comes amid rising tensions and sporadic clashes between government and opposition forces in Upper Nile and Jonglei states.

In a separate statement, Lam accused the SSPDF and Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of jointly attacking SPLA-IO positions in Keweji, Upper Nile, on May 25. He said the attack was repulsed, with the attackers sustaining heavy casualties and losing equipment.

He also claimed an SSPDF unit based in Waat attacked the SPLA-IO-controlled area of Motot in Jonglei State early on Sunday but was pushed back.

“One SSPDF soldier was captured alive and is being treated by our medical team,” Lam said.

The SPLA-IO has called on its fighters to remain alert and protect civilians.

The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) has not commented publicly on the reported desertions or the alleged clashes.