SSPDF replaces Gen. Duop Lam, SPLA-IO voices opposition

JUBA – South Sudan’s army announced on Friday the replacement of detained deputy chief of defense forces, General Gabriel Duop Lam, with General Koang Gatkuoth Kerjok, a move swiftly rejected by the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO).

Duop, who also served as the SPLA-IO’s military chief, held the position within the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) under security arrangements stipulated in the revitalized peace agreement.

He was detained earlier this month following clashes in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, involving the White Army, an ethnic militia that had aligned with the SPLA-IO during the 2013-2018 civil war.

Army spokesman Lul Ruai Koang, in a statement, confirmed Kerjok’s appointment as acting deputy chief of defense forces, but did not specify whether the SPLA-IO had sanctioned the change.

“SSPDF command would like to congratulate Lt. Gen. Koang Gatkuoth Kerjiok on his appointment as Acting Deputy Chief of Defence Forces for SSPDF. His appointment will ensure and enhance implementation of transitional security arrangements,” Lul said.

However, SPLA-IO spokesman Col. Lam Paul Gabriel countered with a statement asserting the appointment was unilateral and conducted by the SSPDF’s chief of defense forces without the SPLA-IO’s knowledge or consent.

“The SPLA-IO would like to inform its forces, the public and the International Community that the appointment of Lt. Gen. Koang Gatkuoth Kerjok to the position of the Deputy Chief of Defense Forces was unilaterally done by the CDF of the SSPDF and the SPLM-IG, with intention to bring division within the SPLA-IO,” Lam said.

Lam called on the international community and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to secure the release of Riek Machar, the SPLA-IO leader, whose presence in Juba he attributed to IGAD’s efforts.

He emphasized Machar’s continued leadership and command of the SPLA-IO.

“On the arrest of the FVP and C in C of the SPLA-IO; H.E. Riek Machar Teny Dhurgon, the SPLA-IO urges the IGAD who brought him to Juba without protection to make sure our Commander in Chief and all our political leadership are released for the sake peace and stability in the Country and the region,” he stated.

“The SPLA-IO remains under the full command and control of H.E. Riek Machar Teny Dhurgon as its Leader and Commander in Chief,” Gabriel reiterated, underscoring the organization’s stance amid the escalating political tensions.