Upper Nile militia defects to SPLA – military

May 13, 2012 (JUBA) – A militia in South Sudan’s Upper Nile State has joined the country’s national army, with Juba accusing it’s northern neighbour Sudan of previously backing the group.

On Thursday South Sudan’s army (SPLA) said it had “evidence” the rebel group had been backed by Khartoum. Sudan denies the charge and accuses South Sudan of backing rebels in north of the new international border in Darfur, South Kordofan and Blue Nile.

Research group, the Small Arms Survey says that there is evidence that both sides are backing groups in other’s territory.

The former rebel group, under the command of Major General John Duit Yiech decided to join the SPLA force commanded by Col. John Wiyual Rutkoch at the oil-rich Palluj area in northern part of Upper Nile state.

The 215 strong group is reported to be well-equipped, with 10 mounted pick-up trucks and one lorry.

Yiech revealed that their decision to join the SPLA had frustrated Khartoum’s plan, which apparently instructed them to attack Nasir and Maiwut counties in order to block access between Upper Nile and the Ethiopian region of Gambella.

Malaak, who welcomed the defecting forces, told the press that the forces and their equipment were clear evidence to the world that Khartoum was arming South Sudanese rebels to fight Juba.

The SPLA’s commander at Palluj oilfields, John Wiyual, who negotiated the defection said the militia forces will be transferred to the SPLA’s Division 7 under the command of Major General Gony Bilieu, in northern Upper Nile.

(ST)