Arop Jonchol
By: Alnaeim Mubarak Kuol
In a significant military and political development in Western Equatoria State, Major General Edward Razig Joseph, commander of Sector Six of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement – In Opposition (SPLM-IO), has officially defected to the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), bringing with him more than 120 loyal troops.
The defection was announced on Thursday, according to the Press Unit of the Office of the Deputy Governor, marking a major shift in the security landscape of Western Equatoria State.
Sources told Citizens Voice Media that the defected troops have pledged their allegiance to the President of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief of the army, H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit.
Government officials attributed this shift to the leadership of SPLM Chairperson and Acting Governor of Western Equatoria State, H.E. Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa, whose ongoing initiatives for reconciliation and national unity are reportedly yielding positive outcomes.
Local authorities have welcomed the development, calling it a positive step toward advancing peace and an indication of growing stability in the state.
