South Sudan opposition forces refuse to assemble in designated areas

IANS April 8, 2025 162 views

South Sudan's opposition movement SPLM/A-IO has firmly rejected orders from the national defense forces to assemble in government-controlled areas. Spokesperson Lam Paul Gabriel emphasized the group's independence and refusal to comply with SSPDF directives. The tension stems from a recent attack by the White Army on a military base, which led to the arrest of several opposition officials. These developments signal a potentially dangerous escalation in the ongoing political and military conflict in the young nation.

"The SPLM/A-IO is an independent national movement that only takes its orders from its leadership" - Lam Paul Gabriel
Juba, April 8: The Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army-in-Opposition (SPLM/A-IO), South Sudan's opposition party, on Tuesday rejected the orders from the South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF) for its troops to assemble in government-controlled areas.

Key Points

1

Opposition rejects SSPDF troop assembly orders

2

Tensions rise after White Army attack on military base

3

Riek Machar under house arrest

4

Conflict threatens fragile peace in South Sudan

Lam Paul Gabriel, spokesperson for the opposition forces led by First Vice President Riek Machar, currently under house arrest, said they are an independent movement that takes orders from its leadership rather than from the SSPDF.

"This is completely a misplaced assumption of command by the SSPDF. The SPLM/A-IO is an independent national movement that only takes its orders from its leadership and commanders," Gabriel said in a statement issued in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.

"The SSPDF does not in any way command or influence the SPLM/A-IO forces and armed civilians under its areas of control," he added.

This came after Monday's directive from the Chief of Defence Forces, calling on SPLM/A-IO soldiers who had recently gone into hiding following clashes between the two forces near Juba to report to SSPDF outposts or barracks, Xinhua news agency reported.

"The SPLM/A-IO therefore directs all its forces and armed civilians in its controlled areas to remain armed and vigilant at all times as the SSPDF has already waged a full scale war against the peace and citizens of South Sudan," Gabriel said.

Tensions escalated after an early March attack by the White Army, aligned with the SPLM/A-IO, on a military base in Nasir County, Upper Nile State.

On March 7, the White Army killed several SSPDF soldiers and a General who were being evacuated by the United Nations in the volatile town of Nasir. The incident prompted the arrest of several high-ranking SPLM/A-IO officials in Juba.

Reader Comments

J
James K.
This situation is heartbreaking 💔. After all these years of conflict, when will our leaders prioritize peace over power struggles? The people of South Sudan deserve better.
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Amina D.
I understand the opposition's position - why would they trust government forces after everything that's happened? But refusing to disarm just continues the cycle of violence.
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Peter L.
The article could provide more context about the 2018 peace agreement terms regarding troop integration. Without that, it's hard to fully understand who's violating what agreements.
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Mary T.
Both sides need to come back to the negotiating table. This tit-for-tat violence helps no one. My cousin in Juba says people are terrified of another civil war breaking out.
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David O.
The international community needs to step up pressure on both sides before this escalates further. Where's the UN Security Council on this?
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Sarah J.
While I sympathize with the opposition's distrust, their statement about remaining "armed and vigilant" sounds like preparation for war rather than peace. There has to be a better way forward.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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Tags:
South Sudan SPLM/A-IO Riek Machar Military Conflict African Politics SSPDF White Army
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