More than 11,000 soldiers from the SPLA-IO have defected to the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) in Jonglei State, according to the army spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang.
Maj. Gen. Peter Gatkek Tolchieck, the SPLA-IO commander of Brigade 1 in Nyirol County, led 6,100 troops in renouncing rebellion and pledging loyalty to President Salva Kiir’s government.
Another 5,400 members of the organized forces, including police, prisons, and wildlife officers, also switched sides under Lt. Gen. Keer Kai Geu. The group reportedly included 300 National Security Service officers led by Col. Malang Yol Rial.
The declaration took place in Pul-Turuk village, Nyirol County. SSPDF says the move has allowed it to regain control of Pading headquarters, Nyambor, and Riang areas.
Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai praised Nyirol County Commissioner James Bol Makuei for helping convince the forces to rejoin the government, describing the decision as “bold and heroic.”
Via Hotinjuba
