Video Showing Over 1,000 SPLA-IO Fighters Defect to SSPDF in Ayod County

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Ayod County, Jonglei State More than one thousand armed youth affiliated with the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) have defected to the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) in Ayod County, Jonglei State. Machar’s Defense Declares Juba Special Court Illegal: Court Mandate Expired, Demands His Immediate Release The defectors, who publicly declared their allegiance to the national army over the weekend, were officially received by Ayod County Commissioner James Chuol Jiek alongside senior heads of organized forces in the area. Commissioner Chuol praised the group’s decision, describing it as a “bold step toward lasting peace and unity” in the county.  Two Rebel Grounds and RSF Unites:  Rebel Forces and RSF Forces Regroup Near Sudan Border, South Sudan Officials Warn ‎ He assured the returnees of full government protection and urged other holdout groups to lay down their arms and join peace efforts. Local authorities say the integration of the defected...
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President Kiir Leads Nation in Honoring Late Pope Francis

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‎President Salva Kiir Mayardit joined thousands of faithful at St. Theresa Cathedral in Juba today to commemorate the life and legacy of Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday.

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‎The solemn Mass, attended by political leaders, clergy, and hundreds of Christians, served as a moment of national reflection. President Kiir hailed the late Pontiff as a “steadfast friend” of South Sudan and praised his lasting contributions to peace and unity in the country.

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‎"His message of forgiveness, reconciliation, and harmony touched the hearts of many South Sudanese," said Kiir, recalling Pope Francis’s historic 2023 visit to Juba alongside other Christian leaders. "He left an indelible mark on our journey toward peace."

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‎Pope Francis has consistently advocated for peace in South Sudan, urging the country's leaders and people to embrace reconciliation and unity. 

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‎During his historic visit to South Sudan in February 2023, alongside leaders of the Anglican and Presbyterian churches, he called on political leaders to end violence and fulfill their commitments to the peace agreement. 

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‎The late Pope Francis, emphasized the importance of dialogue, forgiveness, and compassion to build a stable and prosperous future. 

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‎His message was particularly directed at promoting harmony among communities torn by years of conflict, encouraging a renewed commitment to justice and peace.

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‎The service was led by Archbishop Séamus Patrick Horgan, Apostolic Nuncio to South Sudan, who honored Pope Francis as a devoted servant of God and tireless advocate for global peace.

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‎Also speaking at the event, Dr. Justin Badi Arama, Archbishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church, called on citizens to uphold the values the Pope championed, urging South Sudanese to walk in love, unity, and reconciliation.

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‎The memorial service served not only as a tribute but as a renewed call for unity in a country still healing from years of conflict.

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