SSPDF denies presence of People’s Freedom Movement rebels in Western Equatoria

JUBA, South Sudan, Sept. 2, 2024 — South Sudan’s People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) on Monday refuted claims of the presence of the rebel group People’s Freedom Movement (PFM) in Western Equatoria State.
The PFM, led by comedian-turned-rebel Col. Philip Omon Bartholomew, also known as “Fell Free,” was formed a few months ago. Last week, the group claimed responsibility for attacks in Yambio, the capital of Western Equatoria State, which resulted in the death of one SSPDF soldier and injuries to four others.
However, SSPDF Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang dismissed these claims, asserting that the incidents in Yambio were unrelated and not connected to PFM. “These incidents occurred two weeks ago, near the end of August,” Koang told Radio Tamazuj on Monday. “An officer from the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) killed an SSPDF soldier and was hiding in different neighborhoods within Yambio.”
Koang explained that the SPLA-IO leadership cooperated in arresting the suspect. On the day of the arrest, unknown armed men attacked people at Masia Market, injuring two civilians and two SSPDF soldiers. “The culprits are still at large,” Koang added.
He further clarified that SSPDF forces conducted nighttime searches and recovered 41 guns, emphasizing that Omon and his PFM forces were not involved. “Feel Free [Omon] does not have forces in Western Equatoria,” Koang stated.
Koang also dismissed PFM’s claims of having forces across the country as false. “The incidents were unrelated, and the person responsible was arrested,” he said, reiterating that the only known rebel group in the area is the SPLA-IO, which has not engaged in recent armed confrontations with the SSPDF.
“Previously, tribal clashes between the Azande and Balanda caused insecurity, but disarmament and the deployment of forces have restored peace. Displaced people have begun returning home,” Koang said. He accused Omon of seeking media attention and portraying himself as a significant rebel leader, which he said is not true.
“The only rebel leader with a presence of fighters in the area is Gen. Thomas Cirillo, who has forces in Central Equatoria and parts of Western Equatoria, particularly around Mundri. The rest are just rebels in neighboring countries without armed followers here,” Koang concluded.