South Sudan army contains internal rift over deserting units
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Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) soldiers walk along a road in
Mathiang near Bor, on January 31, 2014 (AFP Photo)
June 30, 2017 (JUBA) - The command of Sudan Sudanese army (SPLA) has
contained a rift among soldiers deployed on the front line in the
northern part of the country, after fears that a split could undermine
the capability of the government army in that troubled area.
A high-ranking military officer told Sudan Tribune on Friday that a
decision by some officers and soldiers loyal to the former SPLA chief
of staff deployed to the former Unity State caused a headache to the
command until Gen. Paul Malong had to be approached by the community
leaders and his political friends to talk to them to drop their plan
to leave in their areas of their deployment.
“There was a misunderstanding between units of our forces in Leer.
They were those who were deployed there as part of reinforcement to
bolster the fighting strength of the 4th division infantry. These
units were from different divisions in the country. Some were taken
from the headquarters and others from other divisions. They were
deployed for specific reasons for a specific period but they
overstayed and they felt they need to be replaced”, explained the
military officer.
The officer said a majority of these soldiers come from Aweil of Bahr
el-Ghazal region and instead of asking for a permission to return
home, they prefer going to their families in Aweil even before
replacement is made.
“It is a big challenge but thanks God the former chief of general
staff intervened and was able to speak to them urging to remain in
their positions (on the front line against the enemy) and they
listened to him. Now they are waiting for the replacement so that
there is no security vacuum”, said the officer who did not want to be
identified.
Several military sources and politicians with direct knowledge also
confirmed that an intense situation emerged between different units
and soldiers loyal to Paul Malong.
Observers say the rift meant to protest the removal of former chief of
staff from his position, pointing their feel personally harmed by this
decision because their regional dignitary protected their rights and
families if something happened to them.
(ST)
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Kind regards,
The Sudan Tribune editorial team.
1 July 07:09, by Dinka-Defender-General
Well, P. Kiir had underestimated the position of Mading Awiel
soldiers. I believe this is one of the huge mistake P. Kiir had ever
made in his leadership. It seems P. Kiir had listened too much to
medias not what is really happening between him and General Awan. What
was the reason you removed Gen. Awan from his position? It looks like
P. Kiir will be overthrow by Dinka People not other tribes.
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