South Sudan orders former rebel fighters to assemble for national army integration
South Sudan has ordered all fighters from the Agwelek militia to report to designated assembly points for screening and integration into the national army, in a move aimed at advancing a key peace agreement.
The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) issued the directive on Monday, ordering all Agwelek combatants to gather at designated locations ahead of their formal integration into the national army.
The move is a key operational step towards implementing the peace agreement signed between the government and the armed group in January 2022.
SSPDF spokesperson Lul Ruai Koang said the directive, which takes effect Tuesday, applies to Agwelek forces based in Juba, Greater Tonj in Warrap State and Twic East County in Jonglei State.
“All members of Agwelek forces that are currently in Juba are hereby ordered to report to the Terekeka assembly area in Terekeka County, Central Equatoria State, and reporting time commences on September 15, 2026,” Koang said in a statement.
Koang said Agwelek forces in Warrap State and those stationed at Nyakeen in Twic East County, Jonglei State, have been ordered to remain on standby ahead of the arrival of the SSPDF general headquarters screening and integration committee.
“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,” Koang said.
Militia to join national army
The Agwelek militia was formerly aligned with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-in-Opposition (SPLM/A-IO), led by First Vice President Riek Machar.
The group fought against the SSPDF following the outbreak of South Sudan’s civil conflict in December 2013.
The latest directive marks a major step towards dismantling non-state armed groups and consolidating the country’s national command structures.
It follows the Agwelek militia’s breakaway from the SPLM/A-IO and its subsequent peace agreement with the government.