SSPDF South Sudan People's Defense Force

28/08/2026

SAMI J

28/08/2026

22/08/2026

09/08/2026

Over 2,000 SPLA-IO Soldiers Defect to SSPDF in Unity State

More than 2,000 members of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) have joined the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) in Unity State, according to the SSPDF.

Speaking to the media, Col. Garang Ateny Alier, Acting Director of Information and Public Relations of the SSPDF, said two senior SPLA-IO commanders had agreed to the peace process and joined the SSPDF with their forces.

“Lt. Gen. Simon Maguek G*i joined the SSPDF with over 2,000 soldiers, while Brig. Gen. Tor Maboi Yeik joined with more than 100 soldiers. The commanders chose peace and the integration of forces,” Garang said.

The development comes as South Sudan’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Santino Deng Wol, called on armed groups in Unity State to embrace peace and avoid a return to conflict.

Gen. Santino urged armed groups to work toward national stability and support efforts to implement the country’s peace arrangements.

The CDF also welcomed the forces under Lt. Gen. Simon Maguek G*i, saying that forces joining the peace process would be integrated into the SSPDF and other organized forces in accordance with national security arrangements.

The reported defections mark a significant development in efforts to consolidate peace and unify armed forces in Unity State.

Efforts to reach SPLA-IO to comment on the claims defection where not successful at the press time