A senior commander in the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) has defected to President Salva Kiir’s side with more than 1,280 soldiers, officials said on Thursday.
The move comes amid heightened tensions following the house arrest of opposition leader and First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar.
Major General Edward Razig Joseph, SPLA-IO Sector 6 Commander in Western Equatoria, announced his defection at a ceremony in Yambio on Thursday, calling it a step toward lasting peace.
“Today marks a new chapter—a commitment to peace and stability,” Razig said, pledging loyalty to President Kiir, who is also the commander-in-chief of the SSPDF.
The move deals a blow to Machar’s faction, which has faced setbacks since his detention in March. A 2018 peace deal between Kiir and Machar has been strained by delayed security reforms and political disputes.
Major General Joseph Manyuat, a commander in the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), welcomed the defectors, urging unity in the state.
Acting Western Equatoria Governor Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa said the soldiers who announced their defection to the SSPDF would be sent to Juba for formal reintegration.
Local officials hailed the defection as a boost to security, though clashes persist in parts of the country.