South Sudan army accuses Khartoum of backing fighting in Upper Nile
August 20, 2011 (JUBA) – The South Sudan army on Saturday accused Khartoum of involvement in clashes where 60 fighters have been killed in a confrontation involving the South’s Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) and armed rebel groups, in Upper Nile state.
Two fighters identified as members of the rebel groups were reportedly captured as the SPLA managed to retake territory back from rebel groups.
Speaking to Sudan Tribune in Juba the SPLA spokesperson Colonel Phillip Aguer Panyang, said that South Sudan’s army had repulsed the rebel groups from the Alal area of Kaka county.
Aguer estimated that the rebels were about 5,000 strong and were able to overrun a SPLA platoon stationed in the area and advance into Kaka town where they were repulsed.
“They overpowered the platoon stationed in the area and advanced to Kaka town but they have been repulsed this afternoon. They are no longer in the area now. Our forces have taken it”, he said.
He said 53 bodies belonging to the rebel groups were found in the outskirts of the town after the fighting, while the South Sudan army lost 7 soldiers and 22 others sustained injuries.
The senior military officer added that they had seized some weapons from the rebel groups and are reinforcing their presence in the area.
He accused Khartoum of backing the rebel groups to destabilise the security of South Sudan, which became independent in July.
“It is very clear that the government in Khartoum is the one arming and training and providing logistical support to these militia groups. The intention is destabilise the South Sudan” he said.
Abiel Riing Majak, a senior member of the rebel group confirmed that the fighting took place but claimed that they had killed more than 75 SPLA soldiers and injured several others. He also claimed his forces taken 8 SPLA fighters as prisoners.
“Our forces have taken Kaka this morning from the SPLA forces. They also captured 8 members of the SPLA and killed more than 75 of them and are now advancing toward Melut”, he said.
South Sudan’s president Salva Kiir offered an amnesty to all armed groups in the nascent country during his inauguration speech of July 9th. So far some of the rebel groups have accepted his amnesty but most refused to take up the offer.
Most of the groups sprung up after disputed elections last year. Khartoum routinely denies South Sudan’s claims that it is backing rebel groups.
(ST)
Naked Dinka
South Sudan army accuses Khartoum of backing fighting in Upper Nile
until when are going to blame khartoum? pull up your shocks southerners
Shadrack Nuer Machut
South Sudan army accuses Khartoum of backing fighting in Upper Nile
I would like to urge the president of Republic of South Sudan to be more vigilant in offering amnesty.
There is no way of benefiting from amnesty if a leader of the insurgent comes back alone and leaves behind his soldiers in the forest.
It is going to cause a coup de’tate if this matter is not taken seriously.
It’s not a laughing or joking matter to forgive and somebody is not ready for it.
GoSS should learn from other experiences in the different world of politics.
We need not to be ruled by government overthrowers.
Take care!
Baal
South Sudan army accuses Khartoum of backing fighting in Upper Nile
Naked ass,
Thanks for showing up. unfortunately you made no strong statement that can help the situation.
Khartoum92
South Sudan army accuses Khartoum of backing fighting in Upper Nile
What kinda of nonsense is this, For how long are you gonna keep blaming the North for everything that happens. When is this government gonna stop looking for scapegoats and take for responsibility for what happens in its country. The North tho does support a new government in South Sudan that is not made of these dinka beer addicts.
Thon Anyaar
South Sudan army accuses Khartoum of backing fighting in Upper Nile
South Sudan Army should be blaming the beggars who are still collection left overs at the northerners tables. How could they be taking orders from nobodies who were just surviving off Southern lands.
The money you are getting paid is yours, just earn it and come to south instead of turning guns to your own brothers and sister in the south.
I have no idea when will these clowns learn.
Deng II
South Sudan army accuses Khartoum of backing fighting in Upper Nile
The so called Islam terrorist government of Khartoum also say, the south Government supporting Africa christain of South Kordofen, so don’t be so buffoon to react.
I doubt what would Rebel achieve, but killing people for nothing. If it is vendetta of election fraud, it cannot means to destroys people life for some things you never overcome. I agreed that some people will die for thier conviction, but it is too much.
peace
South Sudan army accuses Khartoum of backing fighting in Upper Nile
guys what a hell is this brutal thing happen in Jongkulei state,the only way to stop these war is to send deligation to confront them and negotiate with them,what are their demand,if they refuse then south sudan army has to be send to disperse them,they are distablise the prosperity of the country.by the end of the day we are killing one onother let us stop fighting please south.
by Awaynhom Innocent man.