[South Sudan] Strategic developments: Change to group/activity

Change to armed group: On 6 April 2025, Brigadier General James Gatjiath Chuong, the former operations commander of the SSPDF's First Infantry Division, announced his defection from the military to the SPLM/A-IO in Renk (location coded to Renk, the Renk County headquarters in Upper Nile State). Chuong cited targeting of his ethnic Nuer community amid rising political tensions, noting that the tensions have taken on an ethnic aspect, with directives against Nuer personnel in the military. SPLM/A-IO spokesperson confirmed the defection.

Severity

LOW

Occurred

2025-04-06

Country

South Sudan

Event type

strategic

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