S. Sudan army announces ceasefire with Yau Yau rebels

January 6, 2014 (JUBA) – The South Sudanese army (SPLA) on Monday announced a unilateral ceasefire with a rebel group east of the country’s largest state of Jonglei.

“A ceasefire in Jonglei state between the forces of David Yau Yau and SPLA takes effect from 2300 hours on January 6, 2014”, Phillip Aguer, the SPLA spokesperson said Monday.

The decision, he said, would give the current peace talks between government and the rebels mediated by the religious and community leaders, a chance.

It, however, remains unclear if the rebels will respond to the unexpected ceasefire agreement, having neglected previous calls for cessation of hostilities.

Yauyau rebelled against South Sudan’s ruling party (SPLM) after the 2010 elections when he, as an independent candidate, lost his bid to represent Gumuruk–Boma constituency in Jonglei state legislative assembly.

In 2011, he joined the SPLA, but rebelled again a year later, while increased instability in Pibor county forced the army to suspend a civilian disarmament campaign to embark on suppressing Yauyau’s rebellion.

(ST)