We have suppressed groups causing insecurity in Upper Nile, says SSPDF

The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) has said the security situation is under control in the restive Upper Nile State where fighting between splinter opposition factions intensified since August last year.

This was revealed Monday by Maj.Gen.Lul Ruai Koang, Spokesman for SSPDF in an interview with The Juba Echo in Juba.

“The security situation is improving in some parts of the country, in Shilluk area, the White Army have withdrawn and calm has returned to the area, SSPDF has flashed out elements of White Army,” he said.

However, Koang said that insecurity was currently on the rise in Akobo County of Jonglei State and Lekuangole County in Greater Pibor Administrative Areas.

 “Insecurity is rising in Lou Nuer areas; several villages have reported incidents of attacks. In greater Pibor Administrative Area, the white army has return but clashes have been reported in areas of Lekuangole,” he said.

Renewed fighting in mid-November displaced more than 30,000 civilians from their homes in Upper Nile State.

The fighting involving Agwelek militia led by Gen.Johnson Olony and Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in opposition alias Kitgwang under Gen.Simon Gatwech Dual later on dragged in the White Army militia from Jonglei State.

The White Army predominantly made up of Nuer community came in to back up SPLA-IO against the Agwelek militia dominated by Shilluk community.