10/03/2025
SSPDF calls Machar allies back to work
The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) has called on military officers allied with First Vice President Riek Machar to return to work after reports that some had gone into hiding following recent clashes in Nasir County, Upper Nile State.
The appeal comes amid heightened tensions in Juba and other parts of the country after a deadly incident during a United Nations evacuation operation in Nasir on Friday. Major General Majur Dak, an SSPDF commander in Nasir, and several soldiers were killed during the operation. A UN crew member also lost their life.
The evacuation was part of efforts to de-escalate tensions following clashes between the SSPDF and the White Army, a loosely organized armed youth group from the Nuer community. The government has linked the White Army to the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO), led by First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar.
On Tuesday, the White Army seized control of Nasir’s military barracks after fierce fighting with government forces, leaving Gen. Majur and his troops stranded. The UN helicopter involved in the evacuation reportedly came under heavy fire during the operation, which had been coordinated by the SPLM-IO to rescue stranded SSPDF troops.
The SSPDF has accused SPLM-IO leaders of orchestrating the conflict in Nasir, further straining relations between the two groups. In response, several senior SPLM-IO officials were arrested in Juba earlier this week, including Gabriel Duop Lam, deputy chief of the SSPDF and SPLA-IO chief of staff, and Petroleum Minister Puot Kang.
The 2018 peace agreement, which aimed to unify the country’s armed forces, has yet to be fully implemented. President Salva Kiir and Dr. Machar have faced challenges in integrating their forces into a single national army.
Calls for Calm and Return to Duty
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Sunday, SSPDF spokesperson Major General L*l Ruai Koang urged former opposition officers integrated in
