3rd Division (South Sudan)
The 3rd Division (alternatively: Division 3, Lion Division, 3rd Infantry Division) is a division of the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) (later South Sudan Defense Force). It’s based in Wunyiik, Aweil East County Northern Bhar El Ghazal , and it’s believed to be the strongest group among 9 other military divisions. Mathiang Anyoor based in Pantit, Aweil West, is part of Division 3.
| 3rd Division | |
|---|---|
| Leader | Major General Akuei Ajou Akuei |
| Dates of operation | 2021–present |
| Headquarters | Wunyiik, Aweil East, South Sudan |
| Active regions | Nationwide |
| Ideology | South Sudan |
| Opponents | Sudanese Armed Forces SPLM IO Militia |
| Battles and wars | Long March |
While planning for the division's establishment was underway in 2005, the division was not actually established in the field until 2006.
Elements of the 3rd and 5th Divisions in Lakes and Western Bahr el Ghazal rebelled in March 2010, complaining about a lack of food and pay and prompting the Chief of General Staff to secure approval for emergency funding directly from the president.