Clashes at an SPLA-IO military base in Unity State have left at least five people dead and four others injured, according to officials and a local resident.

The violence broke out on Tuesday at the Rupkong base, controlled by the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO), located in Leer County.

The incident stemmed from an internal disagreement over leadership of the group’s 4B Division.

Lt. Gen. Peter Ruot Chuol, who claims to be the SPLA-IO’s sector two commander in Unity State, told South Sudanese local media that armed youth launched an attack on the base.

He reported that certain SPLA-IO generals had sided with the youth during the confrontation.

According to Ruot, the dispute arose from resistance to the appointment of Gen. Gatok Khor as commander of the 4B Division.

The previous commander, Gen. James Gatluak Chuol, had been replaced due to health issues.

Ruot stated that, among SPLA-IO forces, three soldiers were killed and three others wounded.

He noted that the injured personnel were receiving treatment at a health facility in Adok.

He was unable to confirm the number of casualties among the armed youth. However, James Yoach Bading Yageah, the military commissioner of Leer County, rejected Ruot’s version of events and his claimed authority.

Yageah asserted that Ruot was relieved of his position as sector commander last year and no longer holds that role.

Yageah confirmed that fighting had occurred and that it centered on control of the 4B Division.

He explained that Ruot and his allies were pushing to install Gen. Gatok Khor, whose son was accused last year of killing a local sub-chief—an incident that has continued to generate significant tension between the SPLA-IO and the surrounding community.

“Five people were killed and four others wounded,” Yageah said.

“Those injured, from both sides, are currently receiving treatment at a health facility.”

A resident of Rupkong village, Khor Wal, also verified the clash, reporting that five individuals were killed immediately and four were wounded.

Wal said he was unsure of the precise cause of the fighting. He added that the violence displaced some residents of Rupkong.

He reported that fighters from both sides had since abandoned the Rupkong base, with one group relocating to Adok and the other to Pillieny payam.

“We fled to Pillieny payam to protect our lives,” Wal explained. “The situation has now calmed down, although the fighters remain in Pillieny.”