13/05/2026
Date: 13/5/2026
From: Peacock
To: All Sector Commanders, SPLA-IO
Rpt: All Division Commanders, SPLA-IO
Rpt: All Mobile Forces, SPLA-IO
Rpt: All Deputies to the Acting Chief of Staff, SPLA-IO
Rpt: All Units, SPLA-IO
Rpt: Marine
Rpt: Nebulla
Rpt: Angle 25
Info: Camera
Info: Ozone
Info: Sennar
Subject: Response to the Message Issued by Lt. Gen. Koang Gatkuoth Kerjiok, Deputy Chief of General Staff of the SSPDF
With reference to the SSPDF CDF Message No. 005/5/2026, the said order is hereby rejected and declared invalid.
1. Lt. Gen. Koang Gatkuoth Kerjiok is not the Acting Chief of General Staff of the SPLA-IO. He defected from the SPLA-IO to the SSPDF in 2025 and is currently serving as the Deputy Chief of General Staff of the SSPDF. Therefore, his orders are not binding on any SPLA-IO forces.
2. The President has abandoned the 2018 Peace Agreement, and there is no signed ceasefire with the Government of Salva Kiir. Therefore, all forces are instructed to remain alert, vigilant, and in a state of readiness.
3. All SPLA-IO forces are hereby ordered to maintain full defensive readiness at their respective positions and bases. Any hostile movement, attack, or threat against our forces shall be met with an immediate and decisive response with zero tolerance. All commanders are directed to ensure maximum vigilance, strict discipline, and operational preparedness at all times.
4. All SPLA-IO forces are hereby strictly ordered to adhere to the terms of the letter to RJMEC on Ceasefire and directives of the Acting Chairman and Commander in Chief.
5. Any unauthorized orders issued outside the established chain of command shall be considered null, invalid, and must not be obeyed.
Sign………
Lt. Gen. John Both Teny
Acting Chief of General Staff
SPLA- IO