The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) have both confirmed clashes in the disputed Abyei region today, raising fresh concerns over the fragile unity arrangements within the country’s security forces.
In a statement issued, SSPDF Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang reported that armed confrontations erupted involving the unified VIP protection force stationed outside the Abyei Box.
He indicated that operations were still ongoing, stating that SSPDF components were carrying out “mopping-up” operations, with further updates expected later.
Meanwhile, SPLA-IO Spokesperson Col. Lam Paul Gabriel issued a separate statement confirming that fighting had broken out between SPLA-IO and SSPDF elements of the same unified VIP protection force.
According to Col. Lam, clashes were still ongoing, and additional details would be released once the situation stabilizes.
The Abyei region remains a highly sensitive and contested area, and the reported violence underscores continuing tensions within the partially unified forces meant to protect key locations as part of the Revitalized Peace Agreement.
No casualties or details about the cause of the fighting have yet been confirmed by either side.
