6 days ago
South Sudan Begins Integrating Opposition Agwelek Forces Into Army
South Sudan is taking steps to bring Agwelek fighters into the national army.
The fighters have been told where and when to gather.
Those in Juba must go to an assembly area in Terekeka.
Other fighters must wait for army officials to arrive and screen them.
This plan follows a peace agreement signed in January 2022.
Agwelek had previously fought government forces during South Sudan’s civil conflict.
At the same time, UNICEF said many families in Jonglei State still need help.
Conflict has made it difficult for people to reach healthcare, clean water, food and protection services.
South Sudan’s army ordered Agwelek combatants to report to designated assembly points for integration.
The directive applies to Agwelek forces in Juba, Greater Tonj and Twic East County.
Juba-based fighters must report to Terekeka starting September 15, 2026.
The integration follows a January 2022 peace agreement between the government and Agwelek.
UNICEF warned that conflict and restricted access continue to disrupt aid and basic services in Jonglei State.
- Who
- The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces, Agwelek militia forces and UNICEF are central to the report.
- What
- The army ordered Agwelek combatants to assemble for screening and integration into the national army, while UNICEF called for improved humanitarian access.
- Where
- The orders cover Juba, Greater Tonj in Warrap State and Twic East County in Jonglei State; Juba-based forces will report to Terekeka County in Central Equatoria State.
- When
- The directive takes effect Tuesday, with reporting for Juba-based forces beginning September 15, 2026; the peace agreement was signed in January 2022.
- Why
- The integration is intended to implement the peace agreement, dismantle non-state armed groups and consolidate national command structures; UNICEF said aid access is needed because conflict has disrupted essential services.
Key facts
- Integration group
- Agwelek militia forces under Johnson Olony Thabo
- National army
- South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF)
- Peace agreement
- Signed between the government and the armed group in January 2022
- Assembly area
- Terekeka County, Central Equatoria State
- Reporting date
- September 15, 2026, for Agwelek forces currently in Juba
- Other locations
- Greater Tonj in Warrap State and Nyakeen in Twic East County, Jonglei State
- Humanitarian concern
- UNICEF reported that conflict, displacement and unsafe routes have disrupted healthcare, clean water, protection and nutrition support
Quotes
Lul Ruai Koang
Spokesperson for the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces
“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 defence forces for disarmament and mobilisation.”
thehansindia.com
“For many families, this was the first help they had seen in months. But what we found shows how much more is needed, and how quickly conditions can deteriorate if access continues to be constrained in these areas.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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