SPLA-IO Captures Military Base Amid Escalating Conflict in South Sudan

On Sunday, the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) captured a military base belonging to the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) at Waw Payam in Ayod County, Jonglei State. This event marks a significant setback for government forces as fighting intensifies across eastern and northern South Sudan. According to local residents, the base fell without major confrontation, with reports indicating that SSPDF troops withdrew to Ayod town shortly after dawn. SPLA-IO spokesperson Colonel Lam Paul Gabriel confirmed the capture, stating, “The SSPDF base in Waw Payam, Ayod County, Jonglei State has peacefully fallen to the SPLA-IO forces this morning.”

SSPDF base near Ayod captured by SPLA-IO amid widening conflict

This incident follows a series of rapid advances by the SPLA-IO, including the recent capture of Greater Akobo and strategic positions in Waat and Yuai. The SPLA-IO's actions reflect a growing geographic spread of clashes, raising concerns about the potential for a return to widespread conflict in South Sudan, which has struggled with instability since the civil war and the signing of the 2018 revitalized peace agreement.

The current escalation can be traced back to March, when First Vice President Riek Machar, leader of the SPLA-IO, was detained by the government and subsequently placed on trial. His arrest followed intense fighting between the SPLA-IO-linked White Army militia and SSPDF forces, resulting in significant casualties, including the death of a senior army brigade commander and over 250 soldiers. Analysts warn that the detention of key opposition figures risks further destabilizing the fragile peace process and could lead to a broader civil war.

SSPDF base near Ayod captured by SPLA-IO amid widening conflict

In a recent statement, SPLA-IO Acting Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Peter Thok Chuol emphasized that their military operations are aimed at government forces in Juba, which they accuse of prolonging the suffering of South Sudanese citizens. The SPLA-IO has called on non-governmental organizations and United Nations agencies to provide advance notice before moving between states to avoid accidental exposure to hostilities. Additionally, the SPLA-IO urged members of the national army to abandon their bases and either join the opposition or return to their families.

SSPDF base near Ayod captured by SPLA-IO amid widening conflict

The ongoing violence has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in regions such as Upper Nile and Jonglei, where communities are facing displacement, food shortages, and restricted access to aid. Reports indicate that SSPDF helicopter gunships have conducted aerial bombardments during clashes, further complicating the security situation.

Critics of the SPLA-IO's actions argue that the renewed violence undermines efforts to stabilize the region and could lead to further humanitarian disasters. The opposition's calls for unity among various groups to confront the government have raised concerns about the potential for increased hostilities.

• “The SSPDF base in Waw Payam, Ayod County, Jonglei State has peacefully fallen to the SPLA-IO forces this morning,” — Colonel Lam Paul Gabriel, SPLA-IO Spokesperson

SSPDF base near Ayod captured by SPLA-IO amid widening conflict

As the situation evolves, the international community continues to monitor the developments closely, with fears that South Sudan may be on the brink of renewed conflict.