Mass Defection Signals Shift
Nyirol County woke up to a political tremor on Thursday as 2,500 former SPLA-IO soldiers marched into Pading and pledged allegiance to the government camp, marking one of the largest single defections since the 2018 revitalised peace deal.
County Commissioner James Bol Makuei confirmed the arrival of a full brigade drawn from five cantonment sites, including Keth and Guer, explaining that the mixed unit of army, police and investigators had ‘chosen unity over rivalry’ after months of quiet negotiations.
Witnesses in Pading reported jubilant scenes as the defectors handed over SPLA-IO insignia before raising the national flag beside their new commanders.
Commanders Outline Motives
Maj-Gen James Tut Reak Lony told journalists that limited resources at opposition camps and a desire to ‘fast-track reconciliation’ convinced his fighters to cross lines and support President Salva Kiir’s agenda.
Police Brig-Gen James Maguon Tharjiath Majak added that integrated security structures would help stabilise cattle-raiding corridors and allow displaced families to return home.
Local Leaders Greet Opportunity
Traditional chiefs from Kelech and Wenyal used the ceremony to urge rival youth groups to lay down small arms, arguing that ‘the guns should now guard markets, not villages’.
Community elders, while welcoming the move, reminded authorities of past promises, insisting that ex-combatants receive timely salaries to avoid frustration.
Integration Process Ahead
Commissioner Makuei has asked Defence Chief Gen Paul Nang Majok to ratify the defection swiftly so the troops can be screened, trained and kitted under the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces.
Military planners in Juba are considering distributing the new arrivals across Division Three to balance ethnic composition and reduce the risk of bloc mutiny, according to an officer briefed on the plans.
Regional Ramifications
Analysts say the surrender could tilt military arithmetic in Jonglei, pressuring remaining SPLA-IO pockets to negotiate, while signalling to regional mediators that the peace deal retains momentum.
For civilians weary of cross-line skirmishes, the hope is simple: fewer guns on the move and more trade on the roads.