South Sudan army denies incursion by Sudanese troops fleeing war

BENTIU – The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) has categorically denied allegations that Sudanese troops displaced by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have sought refuge within the country’s northern borders in Unity State.

In an interview with Sudans Post on Monday, SSPDF’s 4^th Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Manyang Mayak emphatically rejected claims that Sudanese armed forces have crossed into northern Unity State but warned of border tensions.

The senior South Sudan army commander stated that the Sudanese army still maintains control over Heglig, also known as Paan Thoara in South Sudan, which represents the last border town between Sudan and South Sudan.

“Heglig has not been overrun by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). They remain in Heglig, as does the Sudanese army. We have not received any Sudanese soldiers in Panakuach,” he asserted, conceding rumors of a Sudanese army incursion may materialize in the future.

“These rumors may turn out to be true, as the fighting in Babunusa (Western Kordofan State) is progressing towards Heglig. However, they have not yet arrived,” he added.

Gen. Manyang further revealed that South Sudan has placed its troops on high alert to monitor the movements of refugees and any Sudanese soldiers fleeing the conflict in their country.

“Along the South Sudanese border, we have deployed troops to monitor the influx of refugees and to provide assistance to any soldiers fleeing the Sudanese government,” he explained.

“If they arrive, they will be treated in accordance with international law,” he added.

Sudan has been embroiled in a deadly conflict since April this year when the RSF, a paramilitary group that was once allied with the Sudanese army, launched an offensive against government and army positions in the capital Khartoum.

The fighting has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions. As the conflict enters its seventh month, the RSF is advancing against the SAF on multiple fronts, including in Darfur and Kordofan, which borders South Sudan.

Allegations have surfaced that soldiers belonging to the Sudanese armed forces are seeking refuge in South Sudan after being defeated by the RSF.

These rumors were fueled by statements from Chadian officials that over 300 Sudanese troops are being hosted after fleeing conflict with the RSF in the restive Darfur region.