Juba, South Sudan — Over 1,500 White Army militiamen under the command of Prophet Makuach Tut, a Nuer spiritual leader, have arrived in Ayod Town, Jonglei State, to begin integration into the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF).
The group, totaling 1,570 fighters, was led by another Nuer spiritual leader, Prophet Jal Chak Jal, who confirmed that the forces arrived in Ayod on October 8, days after Prophet Makuach agreed to peace talks with the government.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday, Prophet Jal Chak said the move signaled the end of hostilities and a renewed commitment to peace.
“I came with our youth to Ayod Town. We are ready for peace, and there is no more war,” Chak declared.
He said the prolonged conflict had caused immense suffering among civilians and urged the government to prioritize service delivery and national reconciliation.
“Our people have suffered enough. Makuach Tut is preparing to join us in Ayod Town. There is no more war, but peace,” he added.
Ayod County Commissioner James Chuol Jiek confirmed the arrival of the group, saying the fighters were armed with AK-47 rifles and RPGs but expressed willingness to engage in dialogue.
“These forces are 1,570 in number. They came armed but realized the need for peace and dialogue,” Jiek said.
Meanwhile, SPLA-IO spokesman Col. Lam Paul Gabriel dismissed reports that members of the SPLA-IO and local youth had defected to the ruling SPLM party in Ayod County.
He accused the SPLM of attempting to manipulate local youth from the Gawar Nuer community by supplying them with ammunition to retaliate against the Lou Nuer following a recent cattle raid.
“These youth were forced to appear before SSBC cameras as defectors,” Lam said. “They have since returned home safely.”
Lam reiterated that the SPLA-IO does not recruit youth by force and warned the SPLM against grouping civilians into political parties without their consent.
Civil society groups welcomed the development as a positive step toward peace.
Ter Manyang, Executive Director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy, praised Prophet Makuach’s decision, urging both sides to pursue genuine dialogue.
“When Makuach began his mobilization campaign, we called for dialogue. We’re happy both sides are now engaging,” Manyang said. “These conflicts between Lou Nuer and Gawar youth must stop.”
The integration of the White Army forces is expected to reduce tension in Jonglei State, long plagued by intercommunal clashes and cycles of violence.
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