A new rebel group has emerged in war-torn South Sudan’s Trouble in South Sudan, further complicating attempts to resolve the conflict in the world’s youngest nation.
The rebel group named South Sudan Patriotic Army (SSPA) has set its base in the Northern Bahr el Ghazal State.
SSPA is being commanded by Lt Gen Agany Abdel-Baqi Ayii Akol, from the ethnic Dinka tribe.
Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, the base of SSPA rebels, is where Aweil Town where sacked army Chief Gen Paul Malong hails from.
Hours after his sacking, Gen Malong attempted to return to Aweil but President Salva Kiir, in fear of a rebellion, called him back to the capital Juba.
According to SSPA spokesperson Deng Mareng, the rebel group already controls part of Bahr el Ghazal State.
Mareng also claims that SSPA is planning the capture of Gen Malong’s home town of Malualkon.
