South Sudanese government forces have retaken Ulang town in Upper Nile State from a civilian militia group known as the White Army, a military commander said Thursday.
Maj. Gen. Michael Majok, commander of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) Division 2 in Malakal, told Radio Tamazuj on Thursday afternoon that troops entered the town of Ulang this morning after joint efforts between the army, state government and local civilians.
Last month, the White Army — a Nuer civilian force — rebelled against authorities in Ulang, ousting the government-appointed county commissioner and installing its own leader. The group also resisted SSPDF plans to redeploy troops in neighboring Nasir County.
Ulang County, located about 152 kilometers (94 miles) from the state capital Malakal, borders Baliet and Nasir counties, as well as Jonglei State and Ethiopia.
Maj. Gen. Majok pointed out that cooperation from civilians helped secure the town. “All these joint efforts allowed us to be victorious,” he said.
Meanwhile, Upper Nile State Governor Lt. Gen. James Koang Chuol told this publication that the operation in Ulang faced little resistance but accused the White Army and SPLA-IO forces of looting hospitals and markets in Ying, Doma and Ulang town before retreating.
Koang urged displaced residents to return and dismissed concerns over clashes in the area of Jekow near the Ethiopian border, saying the situation had stabilized after coordination with the Ethiopian authorities. He also reassured Malakal residents of the army’s readiness to defend the area.
Local sources in Ulang also confirmed to Radio Tamazuj the SSPDF’s takeover, with some reporting divisions within the White Army.
Kang Makana, a White Army leader in Nasir, acknowledged that some members in Ulang refused to fight the army but vowed to reinforce the group.
“Some White Army members in Ulang refused to fight, allowing government forces to capture the town. But we will send reinforcements,” Kang said.