The South Sudanese army (SPLA) has confirmed that it lost control over Duk County in Jonglei State and Kaka town in Upper Nile State.

Colonel Philip Aguer said, “The forces of Riek Machar attacked areas controlled by SPLA in Jonglei State, north of Bor, in Duk area, yesterday at 5:00 in the morning.”

He explained that the attackers came from Ayod and Uror areas. “Duk area is now controlled by the forces of Riek Machar,” he acknowledged.

Kaka in western Upper Nile State also fell several days ago.  The area had been reportedly garrisoned only by ex-rebels of SSDM/A. Aguer confirmed that it is no longer under SPLA control.

He said the opposition forces are still launching attacks from Nasser area including into Baliet County and also on SPLA positions in Guel Guk area.

Finally, the army spokesman also confirmed a report by the commissioner of Pochalla County that officers and men had defected in the county. He said, “270 individuals deserted from the SPLA in Pochalla town in Pochalla County, part went toward Ethiopia and others toward Akobo.”

Security improving in Pibor County

Joshua Konyi, commissioner of Pibor County, which lies to the west of Pochalla, says that the situation is stable in the county since the ceasefire mediated by Bishop Paride Taban between the Murle rebel leader David Yau Yau and the government.

“The coexistence here on the ground with the forces of David Yau Yau are peaceful, and our situation is good,” he says.

The commissioner further revealed that about 300 forces of Riek Machar who had been in the south of county since headed north, leaving the area.

The force under the command of Peter Ruai, leader of Brigade 27 of Division 8, are now headed toward Akobo, he said, saying that two days ago, 24 March, they passed through Likuangole area en route to the north.

He said that he was not certain they would not come back, but now they are leaving and security in the county improving.

Konyi commented that residents of the county are also waiting to see whether there will be further progress in the talks with David Yau Yau in Addis Ababa.

In light of the improving security situation, the commissioner called on the UN and other organizations to help facilitate the journey of displaced people who fled to Juba to return back to Pibor County.

File photo: Col. Philip Aguer