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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SPLM-IO Confirms Release of Member Arrested During Dr. Riek Machar’s Trial in Juba

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‎Juba, South Sudan - October 9, 2025:

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The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) has confirmed the release of its member, Alfred Gatmai Koang, who was arrested by the National Security Service (NSS) on Wednesday during the ongoing trial of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and seven co-accused at Freedom Hall in Juba.


‎Arrest and Release Details

‎In a statement issued by SPLM-IO Youth League spokesperson Gattiek Wichar, Alfred Gatmai who serves as the Information Secretary of the SPLM-IO Caucus of Mayom County in Juba was released on Thursday afternoon, roughly a day after his detention.

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‎Wichar said Gatmai was arrested inside Freedom Hall while attending the high-profile trial of Dr. Machar, which has drawn significant political and public attention nationwide.

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‎“The national security didn’t provide any details surrounding his unlawful arrest,” the SPLM-IO statement reads. “Security officials insisted that Cde. Alfred Gatmai defied the search order while entering Freedom Hall an accusation which Alfred dismissed in its entirety.”

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‎SPLM-IO Reaction

‎Wichar confirmed that Gatmai is now in good health and safe condition, thanking those who intervened to secure his release.

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He, however, condemned what he described as an act of intimidation against SPLM-IO members peacefully attending public court sessions.


‎The opposition group reiterated its call for respect of civil and political rights during the ongoing judicial proceedings involving its top leadership.

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‎Background

‎The arrest came amid heightened tension surrounding the special court trial of Dr. Riek Machar and seven senior SPLM-IO officials. 

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The proceedings have been marked by tight security and restricted media access, sparking criticism from peace partners and civil society groups concerned about transparency and due process.

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‎Outlook

‎Political observers say incidents like Gatmai’s brief detention risk further straining relations between the SPLM-IO and government security institutions at a time when the peace process remains fragile ahead of the anticipated national elections.

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