The office of the first Vice President Dr Riek Machar has denied claims that SPLM/A-IO has been hindering the evacuation of SSPDF soldiers in Akobo County of Jonglei State.
Speaking on Monday during a press conference, acting secretary in the office of Vice president Dr. Riek Machar, Puok Both Baluang denied Machar’s involvement in blocking evacuation plans.
‘’We would like to categorically refute these baseless accusations, which are a complete misrepresentation of the facts.’’ He said in statement.
He said the soldiers in question were five, adding that one of them died while on their way to Buong in Akobo West.
He added that the four soldiers after their arrival, communicated their presence to the First Vice President who then contacted Maj. Gen. James Utong Liah, Commander of SPLA-IO Division 8, informed him of the SSPDF soldiers and directed him to protect them
‘’Demonstrating good faith and commitment to cooperation, General James Utong Liah, offered to escort the stranded SSPDF soldiers to Walgak, from where they could be transferred to Wat, the nearest SSPDF station. However, the SSPDF soldiers declined this offer and instead opted to remain in Buong and await evacuation to Juba from that location. So, these SSPDF soldiers are currently in Buong by their own choice, where they are being hosted by local residents and are under the protection of the SPLA-IO.’’ He pointed out.
He added that the vice president has been engaged in tracing of SSPDF soldiers in Nasir and Ulang with an aim of transporting them to Juba.
‘’ The First Vice President has been actively engaged in efforts to locate scattered SSPDF soldiers and officers in Nasir and Ulang counties, with the intention of facilitating their transportation to Juba. To date, we have located approximately 108 officers, NCOs, and men who are being sheltered by local communities, primarily in Ulang County. Two wounded soldiers, accompanied by three others, were successfully flown to Juba yesterday, March 9, 2025, for medical treatment. We anticipate that further soldiers will emerge from hiding as these search efforts continue.’’ He added.
SSPDF Army spoke person Lul Rial Koang and the Assistant CDF of training had accused SPLM/A-IO forces of blocking the evacuation operation in Akobo.
The clashes in Nasir and Ulang between the government and the white army led to displacement of soldiers from SSPDF to different locations.
SPLM-IO urged SSPDF to prioritize de-escalation and work collaboratively to resolve the situation constructively
