At least 100 police officers from the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO), commanded by First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, have defected to the South Sudan People’s Defence Force.

Addressing the press at the National Security Headquarters in Juba, Col. John Mabu, who is commanding the forces, announced that they are abandoning Machar for Kiir.

“Today, we are pleased to announce our official defection to the ruling party under the supreme commander of all organized forces, Gen Salva Kiir Mayardit,” he said.

“We are here to work with all units in South Sudan. We were passed out after training in Rejaf on August 30, 2022, and we are ready to protect the property of South Sudanese and do all our police duties. We are for peace and we come for peace, we are 113 personnel and more are expected to join soon.”

In their position document, the defectors criticized the SPLA-IO for a lack of defined political and military goals and stated that national peace and security are their primary priorities.

Meanwhile, David John Kumuri, spokesperson for the National Security Services (NSS) Internal Security Bureau, who received the forces, stated that, “Again today, the NSS has received One Hundred and Thirteen – 113 SPLA-IO forces under the command of Col. John Mabu and other forces based in Panyume area of Morobo County.”

“In this respect, the NSS welcomes the group’s position and hereafter assures that the safety and security of their forces is paramount, and as well, integration into all forces of the government shall be contemplated.”

The NSS reaffirmed that the organized forces and the government are working around the clock with all holdout groups to improve the security and protection of South Sudanese citizens and property.

Earlier, over 300 SPLA-IO officers, commanded by First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, defected to the South Sudan People’s Defence Force.

The groups included 259 National Security Services personnel from Gut-Makur training in Western Equatoria State and 48 troops from the Wunlet training center in Central Equatoria State.

Yet, this month, over 2,000 active personnel from the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA), led by Brigadier General Samir Ibrahim David, defected to the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) under President Salva Kiir.

According to the defectors, the group includes 105 army officers, 650 police officers, 668 prison service officers, 400 wildlife officers, and 506 fire brigade officers. By Sylvester, The City Review