South Sudan army orders ex-rebel generals, hundreds of troops to assemble for training

JUBA — South Sudan’s army on Thursday instructed several former opposition commanders and their fighters who recently defected to the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) to report to a training centre outside the capital, Juba.

SSPDF spokesman Major-General Lul Ruai Koang told reporters in Juba on Wednesday that forces led by Maj. Gen. Venancio Wani Igga and Brig. Gen. Gabriel Bol Anuer must assemble at the Digala Training Centre as part of efforts to streamline the chain of command and improve coordination within the army.

He said the troops under the two commanders “are hereby informed to immediately report themselves to Digala Training Centre, west of Juba Town, Juba County, Central Equatoria State.”

According to the army, Wani Igga is expected to report with 213 officers, non-commissioned officers and enlisted men under his command. Bol Anuer, who heads the 2nd April Lologo Declaration Forces, has been ordered to assemble with 1,897 personnel.

Bol defected from the SPLA-IO in April with fighters drawn from several locations including Panyier, Lologo and Rejaf training centres, as well as Gutmakur.

Maj. Gen. John Safadario and Brig. Gen. Kompeo Andrea Matia have also been instructed to report with their forces based in Juba, though the date and formation for their parade have not yet been set.

“The SSPDF General Headquarters has prepositioned food supplies. They are expected to report to Digala within 72 hours, starting from the time this announcement has been made,” Lul said.

He added that the directive is part of ongoing measures by the army leadership to unify command structures, strengthen discipline and ensure more effective coordination among units across the country.

Lul said the SSPDF remains committed to maintaining peace and stability through continued training and reorganisation of its forces.