Nine members of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition have defected to the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces in Magwi County, Eastern Equatoria State, officials said Friday.
The defectors are led by Brig. Gen. Taban Daniel Dominic, who previously served as the operations commander for the SPLA-IO’s Anya-Nya division, Sector 9. The group includes eight other officers and enlisted men.
At a news conference in Magwi, Daniel criticized the SPLA-IO leadership, calling it “fragmented and personalized.” He accused the opposition movement of being centered on individuals, primarily its leader, Riek Machar, rather than building accountable institutions.
“This personalization of leadership has created internal rivalry, causing multiple splits that have deeply weakened the movement’s unity,” Daniel said. He also alleged that some SPLA-IO leaders have acted for “self-preservation and personal gain,” neglecting the welfare of their forces in Magwi County.
Magwi County Commissioner Pole Pole Benjamin welcomed the defectors, praising their decision to “come to the system.” He emphasized the importance of cooperation for achieving peace in the country.
Brig. Gen. Kulang Tarik Chuol Koda, an SSPDF division commander, assured the defectors that the national army was open to everyone. He urged the soldiers not to return to the bush, promising they would receive assignments after integration.
In response, SPLA-IO spokesperson Col. Paul Lam Gabriel disputed the characterization of the event. In a statement dated Oct. 3, he said only two “disgruntled/deserted officers” had defected and denied that the entire Magwi Brigade had switched sides.
Gabriel stated that Daniel and another officer, Col. Otema Luka Apire, had been out of contact with the command since early 2020. He described the defectors as “ideologically bankrupt” individuals in search of opportunities and said the SPLA-IO remains “intact and solid” in Magwi.
He also accused local community leaders and the Eastern Equatoria State governor of collaborating to “dismantle SPLA-IO through fake dialogue and bribery,” calling the practice dangerous and demanding it stop.