Brig. Gen. Adnan Alex Boboya of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) has defected to the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) in Yei River County, Central Equatoria State.
The defection, which occurred on Friday, comes weeks after internal divisions emerged at the Kenyira Cantonment area in Mugwo Payam.
“I am a brigadier general from the SPLA-IO cantonment site. From today (Friday), I officially declare my allegiance to the SSPDF headquarters. I am informing my people and my family that I am now an official member of the SPLM and SSPDF. I am taking this step for the sake of my home and our people,” he said.
“As soldiers, our duty is to protect this country and its resources. We are here to safeguard you, which is why today we are in Yei River County, tomorrow we will go to Yirol, and afterward to Rumbek and Warrap to defend our people,” he added.
Col. Goch Deng Yak, the SSPDF Commander of Special Operations Forces in Yei and Morobo counties, praised Brig. Gen. Boboya’s decision, affirming the government’s commitment to peace.
“I am very pleased with Brig. Gen. Boboya’s decision. We are working for peace and to protect our civilians from aggression. To those still in the bush—if anyone has grievances, come forward, and we will engage in dialogue. There is no justification for continuing to kill your own people. I commend Boboya for his actions in the interest of his people,” he said.
This marks the latest in a series of defections from the SPLA-IO to the SSPDF.
Earlier this week, the National Security Service confirmed that 604 SPLA-IO soldiers had defected to the government and that they will be integrated into the SSPDF.
SPLA-IO Spokesperson Col. Lam Paul Gabriel could not immediately be reached for comment.
The defection of the SPLA officer in Yei comes amid heightened tensions, including the recent house arrest of SPLM/A-IO leader and First Vice-President Riek Machar.
Analysts say the defections could weaken the opposition SPLA-IO while strengthening Kiir’s grip on the military.
The fragile 2018 peace deal between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar faces challenges due to delayed security reforms and political disputes.