[2] In 1999 there was extreme tension in Chukudum between the Dinka-led military authorities and the Didinga people, fueled by a history of humiliation, harassment and violence since the SPLA moved into the region in 1985.
An SPLM spokesman said the SPLA had no forces in the area, and "therefore puts the blame squarely on the government of Sudan and its allied militias", including Lorot's group among these.
[5] The government in Khartoum had accused the SPLA of involvement, but the SPLM said the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) controlled Kapoeta town and was responsible for the incident because it directed Lorot's operations.
[6] According to an SPLM spokesman the incident occurred west of the Didinga Hills, about 65 km (40 mi) south of Kapoeta, over territory that was mostly controlled by pro-government militias led by Captain Peter Lorot.
In February 2006 Brigadier General Aloisio Emor Ojetuk, Governor of Eastern Equatoria, said about 359 men from Lorot's force had joined the SPLA and were receiving training.