Government Troops and Allies Abandoned Positions, SPLA Fills in Security Vacuum

June 08, 2014(Nyamilepedia) — A report released by the office of military spokesperson for SPLA in opposition, Brig. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, confirms that the government forces have abandoned their bases in Jonglei state. Brig. Lul believes that the SPLA forces at Gadiang, in Duk county, are heading back to Bor through Panyigor.

Lul explains that other fronts that include Poktap and Wernyol are abandoned by the loyal forces. The trend is believed to has been followed by other forces, especially the stranded loyal forces in the neighbouring Ayod county.

“Kiir’s troops and UPDF’s forces that had been occupying Gadiang forward base in Duk County, Jonglei had abandoned it along with Poktap, and Wernyol barracks. Other smaller military outposts were also abandoned. Salva’s forces and Allies are currently heading to Bor vie Panyagor, the Administrative HQs of Twic East County.” Reads part of the report.

Opposition sources from the neighbouring Urror have reported receiving surrendering government soldiers, who are stranded with limited supplies in part of Ayod town. Urror white army have reported a group of 37 soldiers, in mid May, who reportedly surrendered due to lack of food and basic services.

The loyal forces, which made their way to Ayod, were cut off of possible supplies from Bor and Juba. Ayod’s suburbs of Palieth, Pankor, and other two exits towards Kuachdeng and Urror are reportedly occupied by the armed opposition led by Jonglei’s military governor, Gabriel Dup Lam, the former commissioner of Ayod, James Mawich Makuach, the current commissioner of Ayod, who take immediate orders from Maj. Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual.

Maj. Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual has stationed his forces in Duk county to encounter government forces, who attempt to penetrate into interiors of Jonglei state, aiming to encroach Akobo, Urror, Ayod and Fangak counties.

Brig. Gen. Lul reports that the loyal forces, who sneaked out of Ayod into the neighbouring Lake state have ran into fierce battles from their colleagues, who opposed their withdrawal claims.

“The withdrawal leaves troops tripped in Ayod with no other options apart from following suit. Some of the troops on retreat, mostly from Greater Bahr El Ghazal Region crossed over to neighboring Lakes State where they were engaged in a three hour gun battle by loyalist forces opposed to abandonment of defensive positions.” Brig. Gen. Lul stated.

The SPLA [in opposition] alleges that they assumed operations in Gadiang and other abandoned fronts to fill in the security loopholes, created by the departure of the loyal forces.

“SPLA’s Gallant Forces are occupying abandoned bases to avoid security vacuum and possible lawlessness.” Lul continued

The office of the military spokesperson, however, reiterates that their occupancy may unfortunately hasten panics in the neighbouring headquarters in Bor and eventually Juba.

Bor is a strategic gateway to Juba and if left vulnerable, the capital would be affected.

“With no UPDF forces in forward bases, Bor is left vulnerable to winds of change, Juba and eventually the whole country.” Lul reiterates.

Fear and panic in the capital are building up as another fierce debate on federalism returns to Juba. The striking debate on federalism has exposed intellectuals, especially from the Greater Equatoria, who are speaking out in support of federalism. A good number of defection and resignations have been reported as the debate kicked off at Nyakuron centre, Juba.