South Sudan’s opposition refutes rumoured death of top army officers

July 12, 2016 (JUBA) – South Sudanese armed opposition faction dismissed as “white lie” a claim by government officials that they killed their top army officers.

Sporadic shooting into the air rocked the South Sudanese national capital, Juba, on Monday night as soldiers loyal to President Salva Kiir celebrated their claimed victory after circulated rumours suggested that they had killed General Simon Gatwech Dual, Chief of General Staff of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO), during their four days of fighting in Juba with forces loyal to First Vice President, Riek Machar.

The forces were also marking the declaration of a ceasefire endorsed by both President Kiir and his first deputy, Machar, which has come into effect.

The circulated claim also said the deputy chief of general staff for administration and finance in the SPLA-IO, General James Koang Chuol, was among the dead.

Opposition leader’s press secretary however said the claim was not true, adding that their top army generals are well and safe.

“The claim is a white lie. The two top Generals are alive and well,” said James Gatdet Dak, opposition leader’s spokesperson.

He said the claim was a propaganda to try to demoralize their troops who were battling forces loyal to President Kiir.

Juba witnessed heavy fighting between rival troops since Friday until Monday with conflicting statements over which side started the fighting.

There are about 1,200 troops from the SPLA-IO deployed in the outskirts of Juba per the security arrangements agreement. SPLA forces loyal to President Kiir are believed to have deployed in and around Juba several thousands of their forces.

Over 1,000 soldiers are believed to have been killed on both sides during the four days of fighting.

(ST)