Rival SPLA-IO factions clash in Leer, killing five soldiers
Fighting erupted between forces loyal to Nathaniel Oyet and Regina Joseph Kaba, following Kaba's appointment as acting chairperson.
At least five soldiers died and nine were wounded in clashes between rival SPLA-IO factions in Leer County's Adok Payam last Friday. The fighting occurred between groups loyal to Nathaniel Oyet, who has been acting as SPLM/A-IO chairman, and those supporting Regina Joseph Kaba, recently appointed acting chairperson.
James Yoach Bading, a military commissioner loyal to Oyet, told Radio Tamazuj that Kaba's group attacked their positions in the Nordhiech area. Bading reported two soldiers killed and five wounded from his side, with the injured taken to Leer County Hospital. Dhoal Koryom Lingling, a rival SPLM/A-IO military administrator, confirmed the clashes and stated three soldiers were killed and four injured from his side.
The SPLM-IO splintered after Regina Joseph Kaba's appointment as acting chairperson on August 31, 2026, which was endorsed by the military command on September 3, 2026. Former First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar confirmed on November 2, 2026, during a court session, that Kaba is the substantive acting chairperson, further deepening the group's disarray.
Why it mattersThe clashes between rival SPLA-IO factions directly impact the soldiers involved and contribute to the ongoing instability within the opposition group.