JUBA, May 11 (Xinhua) -- The South Sudan People's Defense Forces (SSPDF) on Monday pledged to prioritize the full integration of former opposition forces into the national army, according to Santino Deng Wol, newly appointed chief of the defense forces of the SSPDF.
Wol directed all opposition forces that have renounced rebellion to remain on standby while the military leadership fast-tracks their full reintegration.
"I wish to inform all former opposition-allied forces that abandoned rebellion, pledged allegiance to the government of South Sudan during my previous tenure, and have not yet been integrated that they are urged to remain prepared for further directives regarding reporting to designated training centers for reorganization and integration into the SSPDF and other organized forces," Deng said in a statement.
The majority of these forces to be integrated into the national army are former members of the Sudan People's Liberation Army-In-Opposition (SPLA-IO), led by the detained former First Vice President Riek Machar.
The SSPDF and SPLA-IO have been clashing in Upper Nile, Jonglei, Central Equatoria, and Western Equatoria states since tensions escalated in March 2025. ■