The Internal Security Bureau of the National Security Service (NSS) on Friday claimed that more than 2000 South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) forces have defected to the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF).
During a press conference at the NSS headquarters, NSS Director for Public Relations David John Kumuri expressed that the group changes allegiance to government Army SSPDF and vowed to ensure peace and stability.
Kumuri said that the NSS welcomed the SSOA forces that defected to the SSPDF command citing that they will be integrated.
“The Forces comprised of more than seven Commanders and more than two thousand active personnel under the command of Brigadier General Ibrahim Samir David the Commander of SSOA Forces in the Greater Equatoria region” Kumuri claimed.
However, efforts to reached the South Sudan Opposition Alliance and Amry department for comments on this defection claims were not successful.
Kumuri added the Forces were part of the Transitional Peace Agreement that were trained and graduated across various Military training centers of Logologo, Rajab, Owinykibul, Muni, Gutmakur and Maridi.
According to Brigadier General Ibrahim Samir David, the group have declared ultimate disengagement from the SSOA and all its affiliated organisation.
According to Kumuri, the group however disengaged themselves with the SSOA and renounced all duties previously assigned to them in line with military and security mechanism on behalf of the SSOA adding that they are now members of SSPDF and other organized forces under the President of the Republic of South Sudan.
Spokesperson Kumuri welcomed the group adding that their safety and security is guaranteed as well as steadfast integration of their forces into the National Army.
Early this month about 300 soldiers, including eight commanders, from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO) led by First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar defected to the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF).
The soldiers, who had been trained at military camps in Rajab and Lalogo, were under the command of Brigadier General Bol, SPLM-IO’s former mobilization and organization leader.
Speaking to journalists in Juba, Brigadier General Gabriel Bol Anuer stated that their decision was driven by a duty to uphold South Sudan’s unity and security.
He criticized SPLM-IO’s internal dysfunction, noting that it had deviated from its original vision.
“This decision reflects our commitment to peace and unity in South Sudan,” he declared. “I pledge my loyalty, and that of over 500 forces under my command, to President Salva Kiir Mayardit.”
Brigadier General Compeo Andrea Matia accused the SPLM-IO leadership of persistent tribalism, nepotism, and a lack of clear direction as key reasons for their decision. one.
“We can no longer tolerate leadership that prioritizes personal gains over the welfare of soldiers and citizens.”
For his part, David John Kumuri, the director of public relations at the Internal Security Bureau of the National Security who received defectors on behalf of the government, said that the defection of IO forces to the government is crucial for maintaining peace, harmony, and tranquility in the country.
Kumuri reaffirmed the government’s commitment to integrating all armed forces under a single national military structure, highlighting that no country can function with two separate armies.
However Col Lam Paul Gabriel the Spokesperson of the SPLA-IO claimed that there was not such massive defection in their camp.
