Forces loyal to the government of South Sudan have moved from Bentiu to the outlying Abiemnhom County after the defection of much of the SPLA 4th Division along with its commander.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, an eyewitness said that loyal troops who had belonging to the SPLA 4th Division before its defection retreated from the state capital northward to the border county of Abiemnhom.
He said that many soldiers are still moving out of Bentiu to the same area to join their comrades, adding, “the forces are from non-Nuer tribes.”
Another source said that a top police commander had been killed in Mayom on Friday, though this could not be confirmed.
Mayom’s commissioner John Bol speaking by phone to Radio Tamazuj declined comment. It is not confirmed that he has joined the defectors, but it is known that he had left Mayom and gone to Bentiu which is now under their control.
SSLA forces remain loyal to Kiir
Former rebels who accepted an amnesty offer by President Kiir earlier this year have not joined the mutiny, sources suggest.
South Sudan Liberation Army troops based in Mayom County are still loyal, according to the same witness. He said SSLA is now helping the government: “They are the ones helping us even those in Mayom.”
Governor moved to Mayom
Unity State Caretaker Governor Dr. Joseph Monytuil is believed to have left Bentiu and taken refuge in Mayom County, his home area, which lies west of Bentiu and just to the south of Abiemnhom.
“As the situation in Bentui went bad he took to Mayom where he is protected by the SSLA forces there,” said the witness.
As of Saturday, Pariang County was also reported to have remained under government control, following clashes with mutineers on Friday evening. Unity State’s deputy governor, who hails from this area, is also reported to have fled from the capital.
One tank was sighted driving northward from Bentiu toward either Pariang or Abiemnhom on Friday near midnight after leaving the base of the defected 4th Division, according to a UN source.
Photo: SSLA Commander Matthew Puljang addresses a crowd in Mayom, Unity State, early May 2013 (Radio Tamazuj)
Related: Mutiny in oil-producing Unity State, general declares himself governor (21 Dec.)
Tensions within SPLA divisions in Unity State (20 Dec.)
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