South Sudan Democratic Movement
| South Sudan Democratic Movement/Army | |
|---|---|
| Participant in the Ethnic violence in South Sudan | |
| Ideology | Big tent anti-SPLA |
| Groups | Murle |
| Leaders |
George Athor John Uliny David Yau Yau Gordon Koang |
| Area of operations | Jonglei & Upper Nile |
| Opponents |
 Government of South Sudan
|
The South Sudan Democratic Movement (SSDM), sometimes called the South Sudan Democratic Movement/Army (SSDM/A), was a South Sudanese militant group. Along with its armed wing, the South Sudan Defence Army (SSDA), rebelled against the government of South Sudan led by President Salva Kiir Mayardit and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement.
The Movement was formed in 2010 by controversial former Sudan People's Liberation Army general George Athor after he failed to win the governorship of Jonglei in what was then the Autonomous Government of Southern Sudan in the state of Jonglei as well as neighbouring Upper Nile in the Republic of South Sudan.
Due to Athor's access to military support from the Sudanese & Eritrean Governments, he was able to attract other dissenting SPLA commanders such as Gatluak Gai in Unity State, David Yau Yau in Pibor county, and Shilluk commanders John Uliny and Alyuak Ogot in Upper Nile. Whilst the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) accused the North Sudanese government of supporting the SSDM, SPLA officials did not elaborate on what role they believe Khartoum's backing has played.
Athor later signed a ceasefire agreement with the Government of South Sudan in January 2011, although the talks broke down and fighting re-erupted in February 2011. Other factions of the SSDM/A would later sign ceasefire agreements with the GOSS, with Yau Yau's faction signing one in June 2011, and Gai's in July 2011. Gai was allegedely murdered by his deputy in July 2011, although it is widely believed the SPLA were responsible, whilst Yau Yau, who had been stationed in Juba awaiting re-integration, would later defect to Khartoum in June 2012 and resume his factions insurgency in Jongeli in July 2012.
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Wikipedia