Clashes between the SPLA-IO and armed youth at a military base in Unity state killed at least five people and wounded four others, officials and a resident said Thursday.
The fighting erupted Tuesday at the Rupkong base of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) in Leer County. The violence appeared to stem from an internal dispute over the command of the group’s 4B Division.
Lt. Gen. Peter Ruot Chuol, who identifies as the SPLA-IO’s sector two commander in Unity State, told Radio Tamazuj that the fighting began when armed youth attacked the base. He said some generals within the SPLA-IO sided with the youth.
Ruot said the clash was triggered by opposition to the appointment of Gen. Gatok Khor as the 4B Division commander. The previously appointed commander, Gen. James Gatluak Chuol, was removed due to illness.
“On the side of SPLA-IO soldiers, three soldiers were killed and three were injured,” Ruot said, adding that the injured were being treated at a health facility in Adok. He said he did not know the casualties among the armed youth.
However, James Yoach Bading Yageah, the military commissioner of Leer County, disputed Ruot’s account and role. He said Ruot is not the current sector commander, having been relieved of his position last year.
Yageah confirmed the fighting and said the dispute was over leadership of the 4B Division. He said Ruot and others sought to install Gatok Khor, whose son was accused of killing a local sub-chief last year, a case that has caused tension with the community.
“Five people were killed and four others wounded. Those who were wounded from both sides are receiving treatment in a health facility,” Yageah said.
A resident of Rupkong village, Khor Wal, confirmed the clash and said five people were killed on the spot and four were wounded.
“The root cause of the fighting, I don’t know the reason,” Wal said. “Some residents of Rupkong were displaced by the fighting at the base.”
He said fighters from both sides had left the Rupkong base, with one group moving to Adok and another to Pillieny payam.
“We have run to Pillieny payam for the safety of our lives,” Wal said. “The situation has returned to normal, but the fighters have not moved from Pillieny.”