JUBA, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- The South Sudan People's Defense Forces (SSPDF) on Monday ordered all combatants of the Agwelek militia to gather at designated assembly points for formal integration into the national army.
The directive marks a key operational step toward fulfilling the peace agreement signed between the government and the armed group in January 2022.
SSPDF spokesperson Lul Ruai Koang said the directive, effective Tuesday, applies to forces located in Juba, Greater Tonj in Warrap State, and Twic East County in Jonglei State.
All members of Agwelek forces that are currently in Juba are hereby ordered to report to the Terekeka assembly area in Terekeka County, Central Equatoria State and reporting time commences on September 15, 2026, Koang said in a statement.
Koang said militia forces in Warrap State, as well as those stationed at Nyakeen in Jonglei State's Twic East County, have been instructed to remain on standby ahead of the arrival of the SSPDF general headquarters screening and integration committee.
"The above orders are for immediate execution and are specifically applicable to all Agwelek forces under the overall command of Johnson Olony Thabo, assistant chief of defense forces for disarmament and mobilization," Koang said.
The Agwelek militia, formerly aligned with the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army-in-Opposition (SPLM/A-IO) led by First Vice President Riek Machar, actively fought against the SSPDF following the outbreak of civil conflict in December 2013.
The ongoing process marks a key milestone in dismantling non-state armed groups and consolidating national command structures following the militia's breakaway from the SPLM/A-IO and subsequent peace accord with the government. ■