South Sudanese rebels deny links with Gen. Gatdet forces
September 4, 2015 (FANGAK) – The rebel-appointed deputy governor of Fangak (Phow state) in South Sudan has dismissed claims by a rival faction of the armed opposition movement that it destroyed a barge allegedly belonging to pro-government forces.
The two officials, he said, were “disgruntled” politicians, who lack a militarily base and were incapably of waging meaningful rebellion.
“This is to assure the public that we are under the full command and able leadership of Dr. Riek Machar Teny Dhuorgon. The claims by Gatdet Yaka group are lies and no one should listen to them,” said Gai.
“These are merely propaganda from disgruntled groups,” he added.
The rebel governor, in an interview with Sudan Tribune, described groups led by former youth and culture minister, Gabriel Changson Chang, as enemies of South Sudan who are opposed to the recently signed peace compromise between government and rebels.
“[From] what I know, these groups are working against the South Sudanese people. The SPLM/SPLA has a lot of reservations towards the peace compromise, but we felt it is time to end the suffering of our people and signed the deal with government,” said Gai.
“I know most of these generals do not know what the politics of today is all about. They only stick on old days which is not the case. They will regret soon and wish to come back to the leadership,” he added.
CAPTURE OF PRO-GOVERNMENT FORCES
Meanwhile, Gai claimed the rebels captured 55 pro-government forces in an attempt by the latter to make more territorial gains.
“Our forces destroyed one militarily barge and [captured] five others gun boats, including a number of militarily ammunitions from the government,” the official told Sudan Tribune via satellite phone.
He claimed 2nd Lt. Francis Dhieu was one of the soldiers captured by rebels, further accusing the government of violating the peace deal.
The United Nation Security Council (UNSC) on Thursday warned both warring parties in the country’s conflict of renewed fighting in South Sudan’s Upper Nile and Unity states.
(ST)