South Sudan Defence Forces (militia)

The South Sudan Defence Forces (SSDF) was a militia in South Sudan during the Second Sudanese Civil War (1983–2005) in uneasy alliance with the Government of Sudan.

Leaders

Maj. Gen. Paulino Matip Nhial
Riek Machar (1997–2000)
Tito Biel (1997–2000)
Peter Par Jiek (1997–2000)

Datesactive1983–2005

Groups

• Army of Peace
• United Democratic Salvation Front^[1]
• Equatoria Defense Force

ActiveregionsNorthern South Sudan

Quick facts Leaders, Dates active ...

South Sudan Defence Forces
Leaders	Maj. Gen. Paulino Matip Nhial Riek Machar (1997–2000) Tito Biel (1997–2000) Peter Par Jiek (1997–2000)
Dates active	1983–2005
Groups	Army of Peace United Democratic Salvation Front[1] Equatoria Defense Force
Active regions	Northern South Sudan
Ideology	Sudanese nationalism
Wars	Second Sudanese Civil War
Preceded by Deserters from SPLA-Nasir Succeeded by Splinter became SPDF Main faction absorbed into SPLA Several sub-groups became independent

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The SSDF provided security for Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) garrisons and for oilfields in the north of South Sudan, and in return was given arms and ammunition, although SSDF political leaders remained deeply suspicious of the Khartoum-based government. The Comprehensive Peace Agreement of 9 January 2005 ended hostilities between the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) and the government. A year later, the Juba Declaration of 8 January 2006 provided for integration of SSDF soldiers into the SPLA.^[2] The SSDF chief of staff Major General Paulino Matip Nhial signed the Juba Declaration and was appointed deputy Commander in Chief of the SPLA.^[3]