A senior officer from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) has defected to the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) in Western Equatoria State, accusing some opposition forces of committing abuses against civilians including killings, looting, kidnappings and the burning of homes.
The officer, Badur Emmanuel Dominic Dismo, formally announced his decision in a declaration letter dated March 10, 2026 addressed to the Acting Commander of SSPDF Division Six in Yambio.
In the letter, Maj. Badur stated that he had decided to abandon the opposition movement and rejoin what he described as his former and national army.
“I officially declare my decision to abandon the SPLM-IO and rejoin the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces, which is my former and national army,” he wrote.
Civilian abuse claims
Maj. Badur said his decision followed growing dissatisfaction with the conduct of some opposition fighters, whom he accused of engaging in acts that undermine peace and the protection of civilians.
According to him, incidents of killings, looting, kidnappings and the destruction of homes in affected communities contradicted the principles of peace and respect for human rights he had embraced during his professional service.
The officer previously served for six years with the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM), a regional peace monitoring body under Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
He said the experience strengthened his commitment to the protection of civilians and adherence to the peace agreement in South Sudan.
The SSPDF leadership in Western Equatoria welcomed the move, describing it as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the national army.
The SSPDF Commander in the state, Bior Kuir Deng, encouraged other opposition officers to follow a similar path in the interest of peace and national stability.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Western Equatoria State, Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa, also welcomed the defection, saying the state government remains committed to promoting dialogue, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence among communities.
The latest development adds to a series of similar defections recorded in Western Equatoria in recent years, where several opposition fighters and political figures have abandoned armed groups and joined government institutions.
Security observers say such defections have been linked to efforts to consolidate peace under the revitalized peace agreement, although sporadic tensions between armed groups have continued to affect some areas of the state.
Local authorities believe that continued integration of opposition elements into national structures could help stabilize the security situation in parts of Western Equatoria, particularly in counties that have previously experienced armed confrontations.
