The Warrap state government is cautioning youth from attacking SPLA soldiers who deserted their base in Mapel, located in Jur River County of neighboring Western Bahr el Ghazal.

Reportedly at least 200 soldiers deserted their base in Mapel military center last Friday after an unconfirmed number of Nuer soldiers were killed.

Warrap Deputy Governor Aketch Tong Aleu said the soldiers did not intend to defect from the government forces, but were acting out of fear: “They left their wives and children behind, and withdrew peacefully in order to protect themselves.”  

The official warned that no one should aggress the soldiers, reported Eye Radio FM in Juba.

“Now they did not kill any person outside the village or loot properties. I am appealing to those who are listening to me not to attack them,” said the deputy governor.

Moreover, the SPLA Spokesman Col. Philip Aguer has stated that about two thirds of the defectors are unarmed.

The SPLA General Command has asked the soldiers to report themselves to the divisional headquarters or to the nearest office of UNMISS in Wau for protection.

Aleu’s remarks do not necessarily mean that the Mapel defectors have moved into Warrap state. He could be addressing his remarks to Warrap cattle herders who are already within Jur River County or to Dinka youth more broadly.