The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) have dismissed recent social media claims accusing government forces of killing civilians in Western Equatoria state.
Addressing the media on Wednesday, SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang said the allegations were false, emphasizing that civilians were not targeted by the army.
“We did not move from house to house eliminating civilians. I want to make it clear that in Western Equatoria, particularly in Negero County, most of the SPLA-IO soldiers present were not in uniform, they were in civilian clothes,” Gen. Lul said. “Even those who engaged us during operations were dressed as civilians.”
The spokesperson’s comments come after reports circulated online that several young men had been killed, prompting public accusations that the government forces were responsible.
Gen. Lul clarified that the fatalities were linked to clashes with SPLA-IO members, who he said deliberately disguise themselves in civilian attire.
“The SPLA-IO continues to attack government positions while blending into civilian populations, making it difficult to distinguish between combatants and non-combatants,” he added.
The SSPDF has reiterated its commitment to protecting civilians and warned against spreading unverified information that could escalate tensions in the region.
