The First Vice President of South Sudan, Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon, has dismissed accusations by senior SSPDF officials that he obstructed the evacuation of scattered government soldiers in Akobo County, Jonglei State.
The allegations, made by Lt. Gen. James Koang Chuol, Assistant CDF for Training, and SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang during a press conference in Bilpham, were described as a “complete misrepresentation of facts.”
According to the statement issued by the Acting Press Secretary, Puok Both Baluang, the soldiers in question number only five, one of whom tragically died en route. The remaining four, led by an officer named Garang Wol, fled to Buong in Akobo West after the recent clashes in Wech-Yar-Adiu, Nasir.
Upon their arrival, local authorities in Buong informed the First Vice President, who then directed SPLA-IO Division 8 Commander, Maj. Gen. James Utong Liah, to provide them with protection. In an effort to assist, Gen. Liah offered to escort the soldiers to Walgak for further transfer to Wat, the nearest SSPDF base. However, the soldiers declined the offer, choosing instead to remain in Buong while awaiting evacuation to Juba.
“These SSPDF soldiers are currently in Buong by their own choice, where they are being hosted by local residents and are under SPLA-IO protection,” the statement clarified.
Additionally, the First Vice President’s office has been working to locate and facilitate the safe return of SSPDF personnel scattered in Nasir and Ulang counties. So far, approximately 108 officers, NCOs, and soldiers have been found, primarily in Ulang County.
On March 9, two wounded soldiers, along with three others, were flown to Juba for medical treatment, with further evacuations expected as more soldiers come forward.
The statement also commended local communities and youth for their crucial role in sheltering and assisting stranded soldiers. “We call upon the SSPDF to prioritize de-escalation and work collaboratively to resolve this situation constructively,” the statement concluded.
