The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) on Monday 26th May 2024, vacated schools in Agok Administrative Unit of Abyei Special Administrative Area.
The government army had commandeered Agok Secondary School, Agok Primary School, Madiing Deng Mathiang Primary School, and Comboni Juoljok and used them as military bases after being deployed in the area following the outbreak of conflict between Ngok and Twic communities.
Commander of the SSPDF in the Agok, Gen. Joseph Kuai Ajak, confirmed in a statement to Abyei FM on Monday that they had left schools and some public facilities that the army had occupied before the redeployment process.
Gen. Ajak said that the army deployment process is still ongoing, noting that they have forces in the areas of Ajak Kuac, and Bombil to prevent attacks between Ngok and Twic.
For his part, the head of the Education department in Abyei Area, Hon. Nyinkwany Aguer Bol, welcomed the move, stressing that they will plan to reopen schools after residents return to Agok. Bol added, “Education and citizens come together.”
Meanwhile, the Director of Education in Rumamer County, Mr. Bar Mawien Bar, said that the army’s withdrawal from schools is considered significant progress, indicating that they will conduct a survey and evaluation of schools in Agok to know the status of the infrastructure of educational facilities in the county.
Last April, residents of Agok demanded that the high command of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces move the army outside the region.
