13 killed as S. Sudan’s warring factions clash in Unity state
September 13, 2015 (JUBA) – At least 13 people died in clashes between South Sudan army (SPLA) and the armed opposition fighters in Unity state, the army spokesperson confirmed on Sunday.
“[The] SPLA lost five soldiers in rebel attack and one woman, a civilian, was also killed, 20 were wounded, even the commissioner of the county was slightly wounded,” Aguer told reporters in Juba on Sunday.
“After we repulsed the attackers, eight bodies of rebels were found on the ground,” he added.
Rebels allied to former vice-president, Riek Machar had earlier accused forces loyal to President Salva Kiir of attacking their positions in Unity state, claims Sudan Tribune could not verify.
The counter accusations come in the wake of a permanent ceasefire declared by both factions following last month’s peace deal reached with the help the East African regional bloc (IGAD).
The army spokesperson said the SPLA was in control of the situation, but expressed concerns that rebels could capture some areas before implementing last month’s peace accord.
He called on the United Nations, Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the global community to deploy ceasefire monitors to verify allegations of violations on the ground.
South Sudan’s armed opposition forces said the army attacked their bases on Saturday and Sunday in both Unity and Central Equatoria states.
However, Unity state’s governor, Joseph Monytuil, refuted the armed opposition’s claims, urging the international community to hold rebels responsible for renewed military offensives.
REBELS CLAIM GUIT COUNTY CAPTURE
Meanwhile, South Sudan’s armed in opposition claimed to have regained control of Guit county, accusing pro-government forces of attacking rebel-held positions on Sunday.
Captain Paul Malieth, an opposition spokesperson told Sudan Tribune Monday that the pro-government troops attacked their bases in Marial, Nyieng and Burbur in Guit county.
“It is our surprise that our enemies came and attacked us in our positions. But it was not our wishe to recapture Guit county, but we were forced to take action against oppressors who are violating the ceasefire implementation,” Malieth said over satellite phone.
He claimed government forces suffered heavy losses after their attempt to regain more territories from the rebels. According to the rebel official, some individuals within President Salva Kiir’s government have disowned the recent IGAD peace agreement.
“This is total violation of the cessation of hostilities agreement signed in the Ethiopian capital, Addis-Ababa, which was finalised in Juba. The continued attacks indicate that Juba does not want the peace implementation due to their provocations,” said Malieth.
He urged both the international community and African leaders to pressure Kiir’s government to honor the peace deal signed between 17-26 August by both principals.
“We call on all international actors and the African Union to take quick steps towards series of violation committed by government forces on our positions and should refrain from aggression and must imply with peace deal,” stressed the rebel official.
Major Weirial Puok Baluang, a press secretary for the rebel-appointed governor of Unity State confirmed that opposition forces had taken full control of Guit county Sunday.
“In the early morning of 13 September our defensive position in Guit county came under attack from government forces but our gallant forces under the overall command of Gen. Simon Maguek Gai and under direct command of Guit county commissioner Brig Gen. Hoth Chuol defeated them badly [driving] back towards Bentiu town,” he added.
This is not the first time the two South Sudanese warring parties have traded accusations of violating several agreements aimed at ending the nation’s raging conflict.
(ST)