Sudan’s SSDF militia denies merger of Pibor sector with SPLA

Feb 11, 2006 (KHARTOUM) — South Sudan Defence Forces militia – Pibor sector has denied merger of its troops with the former rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Army, the state-run SUNA reported.

The leader of the SSDF Pibor sector — Upper Nile State — Brig-Gen Agor had announced yesterday 10 January that his troops joint the SPLM.

In a press conference held by leaders of the sector at the secretariat-general of the southern Sudan government in Juba yesterday, Brig-Gen Agor said the Pibor forces had decided in full agreement to join the SPLM and work together to maintain stability and secure peace in order to implement the Juba Declaration signed between the SPLA and the SSDF.

But the Brig Gen Nilang Tegarbin, second chief of the SSDF Pibor sector said they are not concerned by this merger, it just affects the signatories of this declaration.

Last month when Maj. Gen Paulino Matip has announced 8 January that his militia will join the SPLA, Maj. Gen. Gordon Kong, denied this merger and announced its support and the integration of the SSDF troops in the Sudanese Armed Forces.

This development confirms the power straggle between the current SSDF leadership and its former chief Paulino Matip over the control of the SSDF elements. Matip would continue to attract SSDF elements to join him because he needs to reinforce his new position as the Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief of the SPLA. It also indicates that Khartoum has no intention to facilitate the unification of the southern forces.

(ST)