SPLM-IO says Juba government continues attacks on their bases
September 13, 2015 (ADDIS ABABA) – South Sudan’s armed opposition faction of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM-IO) said government forces have continued to violate the permanent ceasefire by attacking their bases in Unity and Central Equatoria states.
“Forces of the regime in Juba have also come out from Bentiu, Unity state’s capital, and attacked our bases in Guit county. They have been however repulsed and pushed back to Bentiu. Fighting has been raging on in the area,” he added.
Dak said the unprovoked attacks by the government forces are a clear violation of the ceasefire deal agreed by president Salva Kiir and opposition leader, Riek Machar.
He said president Kiir’s government was either not committed to the peace agreement or there are elements within his government who are sabotaging the implementation of the peace accord.
He called on the international community to reign in the government to practically show its commitment to peace by stopping the ongoing offensive against rebel-held areas.
Last week, president Kiir expressed commitment to the agreement he signed on 26 August, warning military officers in his army not to continue to violate the ceasefire or face punitive measures.
South Sudan army’s spokesman, Philip Aguer, has however been counter-accusing the armed opposition of the ceasefire violations.
(ST)