Eight soldiers from the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) who survived recent clashes with the White Army in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, have been airlifted to Juba. The soldiers arrived safely at Juba International Airport on Thursday afternoon after being evacuated from Buong Payam in Akobo County, Jonglei State.
The White Army, a loosely organised armed group, facilitated the evacuation alongside a White Army leader, Koat Nyang Banang.
Speaking to journalists at the airport, SSPDF spokesperson Lul Rai Koang confirmed that the Lou Nuer White Army in Akobo County had played a key role in rescuing the soldiers.
The survivors are among numerous SSPDF members displaced during fighting in Nasir County last week. Many sought refuge in nearby areas, including Ulang County.
“After the forces were dislodged from Nasir, they fled in different directions. The majority took shelter in villages in Ulang County, while others received protection from elements of the White Army in Nasir,” said Maj. Gen. Lul.
The spokesperson praised the Lou Nuer White Army for their efforts in rescuing SSPDF personnel, noting that locals in Buong Payam had provided protection and care to the soldiers. “The White Army received the SSPDF and brought them to Buong Payam headquarters. Local leadership, traditional chiefs, and community members ensured their safety,” he said.
The SSPDF spokesperson has reiterated the army leadership’s commitment to continuing evacuation efforts and locating other soldiers who may still be in hiding.
One of the survivors, Maj Michael Chieruai, who sustained injuries during the conflict, expressed gratitude to the White Army for their assistance. He described the challenges faced during the evacuation, including surrendering their weapons to ensure their safety.
Maj Chieruai, who was shot in the left arm, said he had relied on local medicines for treatment over the past nine days.
“The fighting in Nasir was not an attack by the entire White Army. If it had been, we would all have been killed,” he said.
Maj Chieruai urged South Sudanese citizens and the SSPDF to avoid framing the conflict as a tribal war, emphasizing that politicians were exploiting soldiers to fight for causes they did not understand.
Last week’s clashes in Nasir resulted in multiple casualties, including an SSPDF commander. The violence has prompted President Salva Kiir’s administration to crack down on allies of opposition leader Riek Machar. Among those detained are Petroleum Minister Puot Kang, Nasir lawmaker Gatwech Lam Puoch, and several senior military officials.