SPLA blames recent clashes with Lou-Nuer on armed militias

May 29, 2006 (JUBA) — A senior SPLA official has blamed the recent clashes between the SPLA and Lou-Nuer on the armed groups that have refused to either join the SPLA or Sudan Armed Forces.

Brigadier Mach Paul told reporters during a press briefing in juba that the fighting broke out when the Lou-Nuer killed two SPLA soldiers and the SPLA was forced to retaliate, the Sudan Radio Service (SRS) reported.

Brigadier Mach declared the armed groups as -bandits- and said that SPLA is working to disarm all armed groups in southern Sudan.

He issued a stern warning to the armed groups in southern Sudan to join SPLA or Sudan Armed Forces or be disarmed by force.

Brigadier Mach noted that the withdrawal of Sudan armed forces in the Equatoria region has led to relative peace in the region.

He added that the SPLA will move on with disarmament programme despite opposition from the armed communities in southern Sudan.

He appealed to the communities to look at the disarmament exercise as part of implementing the peace agreement instead of opposing the move.

(ST/SRS)