SPLA General Ayok Ogad has denied that he defected to the SPLA-in-Opposition led by Riek Machar, affirming his continuing loyalty to Salva Kiir.

In a press statement on Tuesday, Ogad said someone had written on the internet that he defected to Machar's force. He stressed that he is with the government and President Salva Kiir until the end.

“I want to clarify about what was written in the internet by SPLM-IO that I have defected from the government and joined Riek Machar. I came to confirm that I am with the government. My force are fighting with the government since the coup attempt in 2013 and until now we are with the government,” he told reporters.

General Ayok Ogat has commanded forces in the Manyo County area of Upper Nile State. He identified himself yesterday by the rank of lieutenant-general, though previously he has been reported to have the rank of major-general.

Separately, in a press release on Monday, SPLA spokesman Lul Ruai denied reports online that Lt. Gen. Charles Lam Chol, Commander of SPLA 3rd Sector, had defected. “SPLA IO’s propagandists should stop misinforming the people of South Sudan,” said Lul.