SPLM-IO accuses security forces of aiding attacks in Upper Nile
August 18, 2022 (MALAKAL) – South Sudan’s armed opposition group (SPLM-IO) has accused security forces of allegedly backing a splinter faction that attacked its positions in Upper Nile State in violation of a ceasefire accord.
The SPLM-IO military spokesperson, Col. Lam Paul Gabriel said Thursday that defectors from the Kitgwang faction attacked positions held by their fighters in Diel.
“Gen. Johnson Olony attacked SPLA-IO positions of Diel in Upper Nile State. There is also a plan from the same negative force to attack the SPLA-IO position of Phom in the morning hours of Friday. The SPLA-IO is aware that the Kitgwang elements were facilitated and given departure orders by security organs to move from Mangenis to Malakal. This morning, they were escorted by speed boats of SPLM-IG [Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In-Government] forces from Malakal to Atar”, he said.
The attack, according to Lam, undermines the spirit of the recently signed roadmap, which extended the country’s transitional period for 24 months.
“Much as the SPLA-IO respects the defection agreement between the SPLM-IG and the Kitgwang faction, facilitating them to attack the SPLA-IO positions is not only a violation of R-ARCSS [Agreement on Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan], but also an intent to jeopardise the current spirit of the Implementation gained through the signed roadmap,” he explained.
The armed opposition military spokesperson urged the ceasefire monitoring body (CTSAMVM) and the Joint Defense Board (JDB) to investigate this “intentional” violation and bring those responsible for these attacks to book.
He said the SPLM-IO is committed to the Implementation of the transitional security arrangement, but reserves the right to self-defense if attacked.
A fall-out between South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and his political rival Riek Machar led to an outbreak of a civil war in December 2013. The conflict saw an estimated 400,000 people killed and millions displaced into neighbouring countries.
(ST)