SSPDF deploys thousands of troops to deter clashes in Abyei region

JUBA – The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) has deployed approximately 5,000 soldiers on the border between Abyei Administrative Area and Warrap State to prevent further communal clashes between the Ngok Dinka and Twic Mayardit communities.

Speaking to Sudans Post in an interview on Friday, SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang said the soldiers are positioned south of the Abyei box to provide security.

“We did an additional deployment outside the Abyei box, because we are not authorized to deploy within Abyei box, we have deployed a brigade under the command of Maj. Gen Joseph Kuai,” Koang said.

The deployment follows the deaths of 23 people and injuries to 17 others in renewed communal clashes in February 2024.

The army spokesman revealed that the forces include members of the SSPDF, Necessary Unified Forces (NUF), National Police Service, and National Security Services (NSS).

“It is a force that reflects the diversity of our nation, it is a force that will be neutral, non-partisan and will not be part of the local problem,” he said.

The SSPDF expects Warrap State Governor Kuol Muor Muor and Abyei Special Administrative Area Chief Administrator Chol Deng Alak to work with youth leaders and traditional chiefs to find a peaceful solution to the conflict.

Koang said the deployment was prompted by reports of possible renewed clashes.

“We took these neutral forces to ensure fighting between Ngok Dinka and their counterparts from Twic Mayardit stops, the force will create the buffer zone between the two warring communities so that enough room is given for a peaceful solution,” said Koang.