South Sudan Federal Democratic Party Explained

South Sudan Federal Democratic Party
War:the Ethnic violence in South Sudan
Active:2015
Leaders:Major General Anthony Ongwaja, Mario Bertino
Clans:Lotuko
Area:Torit
Opponents: Government of South Sudan
Battles:Idolu, Longiro,Oguruny

The South Sudan Federal Democratic Party (SSFDP), is a South Sudanese militant group fighting against the government around Torit in Eastern Equatoria State. This rebel group is different from but related to the larger similarly named "Federal Democratic Party/South Sudan Armed Forces" led by Peter Gadet, Gabriel Chang and Gathoth Gatkuoth.[1]

The SSFDP surfaced at the beginning of December 2015, when a group of defectors from the SPLA seized control of a rural police post in Idolu near Torit.[2] Soon thereafter they took the town of Longiro.[3] A battle in Oguruny left that town badly damaged.[4]

The SSFDP is led by Anthony Ongwaja, who claims to have defected from the SPLA with the rank of Major General[2] with the aim of establishing federal democracy in South Sudan. Members are reportedly predominantly Lotuko people.[5]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: South Sudan's South:Conflict in the Equatorias. International Crisis Group. 9 January 2016. 25 May 2016.
  2. News: New rebel faction overruns police post near Torit. 20 December 2015. Sudan Tribune. 3 December 2015.
  3. News: Armed group takes over SPLA outpost in Eastern Equatoria. 20 December 2015. Radop Tamasuj. 8 December 2015.
  4. News: Clashes reported in Eastern Equatoria state. 20 December 2015. Radio Tamasuj. 14 December 2015.
  5. News: S. Sudan’s Otuho rebels unveil objectives for armed struggle. 20 December 2015. Sudan Tribune. 4 December 2015.