By Yiep Joseph
The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) has confirmed that the recent conflict among the VIP protection unit in Athony village outside of Abyei Box left at least 14 soldiers dead.
The SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang confirmed to journalists on Wednesday during a press briefing.
Lul said that an internal clash broke out within the Unified VIP Protection Forces in Abyei.
“On 06/10/2025, at 4:30PM, the Necessary Unified Forces VIP Protection force deployed at Athony village, outside of Abyei Box, experienced internal disturbances caused by a misunderstanding between two officers,” Lul said.
The spokesperson revealed that during the clashes at least 14 personnel lost their lives.
“The officer from SPLA-IO opened fire on our officer at the rank of captain, shot him, and then their bodyguards opened fire on each other.”he narrated
“The clash started spreading from the market to the main checkpoint and to the main barracks; all in all, a total of 14 servicemen were killed,” he added.
He expressed that a number of soldiers were injured during the clashes.
Lul revealed that after the clashes, members from SPLA-IO within the unified forces disengaged and left the military base.
He expressed that the clashes were not politically motivated but rather simple misunderstandings between officers, which later spread.
According to Lul the five wounded servicemen are currently receiving treatment at Turela-Mother Tereza Hospital.
The Commissioner of Twic County also reported that one civilian was killed in the crossfire, though this is pending confirmation against the commander’s official report.
The SSPDF spokesperson revealed that more investigations will be carried out to know exactly what happened.
“For us to get to the bottom of it, there is a need for further investigation to be carried out so that we know. But I can assure you that it was not politically motivated.” he added
The SSPDF spokesperson added that this tragic incident is the first-time members of the Unified VIP Protection Force, a unit formed in 2019 to symbolize the peace agreement, have clashed among themselves.
The incident highlights the persistent instability in the contested region and raises serious concerns regarding discipline within the unified forces, even in cases driven by personal grievances.
However, in a separate statement, the spokesperson of SPLA-IO, Col. Lam Paul Gabriel, blames the SSPDF for the attacks on their bases.
He called on the peace monitors to investigate peace violations.
Meanwhile in another statement issued on Wednesday, Yohana Akol Ngok Kiir, Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports in Abyei Administrative Area confirmed the incident and cited that clam has returned.