Opposition army releases names of recent SPLA defectors

March 25, 2016 (ADDIS ABABA) – The opposition faction, SPLA-IO, has released names of government soldiers who recently defected to them from Nasir town, capital of the newly created Latjor state.

In a press statement released to the public by the SPLA-IO military spokesperson, Colonel William Gatjiath Deng, and extended to Sudan Tribune on Thursday, he said the five defectors are also in good health and have been taken care of by the opposition forces.

The army spokesman said the identities of the defectors include “1) Luka Deng Dhaldhal-Mathiang Anyor brigade from Aweil South, Maleng Alel; 2) Atak Deng Yiel –Mapel brigade,from Bharelgazal Aweil,Marial Bai Payam in Nyamlel county; 3) CPL Khamis Daniel Lomong-Bharel-gazal from Makanised Division; 4) Alberto Lowiech Othoike –Mapel Brigade, 3rd coy; and 5) S/M Gatluak Duop Toal, OPS unit from Pangak County.”

The defection of the five two weeks ago caused confrontation between the two rival forces when government troops came out of Nasir and attempted to bring back the defected soldiers from the SPLA-IO in their base which is 10 kilometres east of the town.

“The Sudan’s People Liberation Movement/Army would like to inform the general public that the defectors are in good care, healthy and being kept in safe-conduct by the administration of the Headquarters,” said Colonel Deng.

He also called on President Salva Kiir’s government “to exercise the same in spirit of smooth implementation of the ARCSS [Agreement on Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan]”

“Therefore, Sudan’s People Liberation Movement/Army would like also to inform the general public that our generals from join integrated police or JIP flight to Juba today [Thursday] as part of implementation of the ARCSS.”

However, units of the joint military and police forces are yet to be transported to Juba in accordance with the security arrangements provided for in the peace agreement.

(ST)