South Sudan government accused of violating ceasefire agreement

February 8, 2016 (ADDIS ABABA) – South Sudanese army (SPLA) loyal to President Salva Kiir has been accused of attacking positions of the armed opposition faction led by former Vice President, Riek Machar, in violation of the permanent ceasefire agreement signed in August 2015 between the two parties.

Opposition leader’s spokesperson said their forces were attacked on Monday by government troops in a number of areas in the oil rich Upper Nile state.

“Government forces have on Monday attacked SPLA-IO military base at Deba in Wedakona area in Upper Nile state. This unprovoked aggression is a serious violation of the Permanent Ceasefire Agreement signed between the parties,” said James Gatdet Dak, opposition leader’s spokesman in a press statement he issued on Monday.

He said the opposition forces repulsed the attacks, resulting to casualties on the part of the government’s troops. One government soldier, he said, was captured during the fighting.

Dak added that government forces also shelled their camp in Tubagiya, south of the state capital, Malakal.

He also said another force of the government has moved out from Parieng county of Unity state, heading towards Tunga and Kodok with the aim to attack the SPLA-IO bases and designated cantonment locations in the area.

The opposition’s media official further said these latest developments indicated that President Kiir’s government was not committed to peace and still prefers a military solution to the 21 month long civil war in the country.

He said the SPLA-IO forces are under the instruction from the leadership to continue to respect the ceasefire, but added that they however have the right to self-defence when under attack by the government’s forces.

The escalating military clashes between the two rival armies may threaten smooth implementation of the peace deal, particularly its provisions on the security arrangements.

(ST)