South Sudan rebels say voluntarily withdrew from Guit county
September 15, 2015 (GUIT) – South Sudanese rebels have disputed pro-government claims that they were repulsed from Guit county in Unity, a day after capturing the area.
He the decision was to ensure effective implementation of the recent peace agreement.
“We have always respected the ceasefire, but the government has been in an offensive since the day our chairman Dr. Riek Machar Teny signed the peace agreement on August 17. We only responded to the aggression by pro government,” he said.
Chuol said the rebels made their position very clear after their commander-in-chief signed the peace deal and has instructed troops to remain in their respective territories.
“We have never attacked them, they are the ones on offensive. We have learned [from] within the government of Salva Kiir [that] there is much division between politicians and senior militarily officers and this has clearly indicated [why] they attack us,” he said.
He said the armed opposition were forced to sign the peace because of the ongoing suffering of the people of South Sudan, adding they could liberate the country in months.
“It is very clear that we have never hired foreign troops in this senseless conflicts. This has indicated that we are powerful and a capable army. We are dedicated to the peace [agreement] because of our ordinary civilians who go on beds with empty stomachs,” stressed Chuol.
NO REBEL KILLED
Meanwhile, the rebel official dismissed as untrue claims by the army spokesperson that eight armed opposition soldiers were allegedly killed in Sunday’s clashes in Unity state.
The two rival factions have, in the aftermath of last month’s peace accord, traded counter accusations of each side violating a permanent ceasefire amid threats for sanctions.
(ST)