SSPDF, SPLA-IO Trade Claims Over Pathai Control

Maj. Gen. Lual Ruai Kong, SSPDF Spokesperson (Courtesy)

Juba, 27/01/2026

By Savanna Radio Staff Writer

South Sudan’s army, the SSPDF, has issued fresh details on what it calls the recapture of Pathai military outpost in Jonglei State, while the opposition SPLA-IO has rejected the account as “misinformation.” SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang said government troops retook Pathai in a brief battle, reporting six dead opposition fighters, seized ammunition, and more than 20 women and children who were later handed to the local paramount chief with food assistance.

In video and statements released yesterday and today, the SSPDF shows the Paramount Chief of Pathai confirming he received the civilians in good condition after the clashes. However, SPLA-IO spokesperson Col. Lam Paul Gabriel has publicly dismissed the army’s version, insisting that SPLA-IO still controls key areas and urging the public to disregard what he describes as SSPDF “misinformation.” Independent verification on the ground remains difficult due to insecurity and limited access to the conflict zone.