S. Sudan army vows military offensives in Lou Nuer areas

July 18, 2016 (JUBA) – The South Sudanese army (SPLA) has vowed to carry out military operations in the predominantly ethnic Nuer inhabited areas of eastern Jonglei state.

“This is to inform above mentioned armed group that SPLA GHQS has credible and verified information indicating that you have been mobilizing for war and that over three thousand have already gathered in Yuai, Uror County and others are currently meeting in Waat-Nyirol County with a view of joining the conflict in support of SPLA IO”, partly reads the statement Sudan Tribune obtained.

The army’s general headquarters also urged youth from the Lou-Nuer not to make another fatal mistake by joining Riek Machar and Simon Gatwech Dual’s “senseless and unjust war for power”.

“With this message, SPLA top military leadership urges you to disperse from Yuai and Waat and immediately return to your homes and Luaks within 12 hours failure to which SPLA Air force would be used to bomb you,” stressed the SPLA’s statement.

It added, “Be warned that failure to listen and take this warning seriously would resort to very destructive aerial bombardment of Lou-Nuer White Army who would attempt to leave Lou-Nuer territories with the intention of joining the war in support of SPLA-IO”.

Last week’s fresh hostilities in the world’s youngest nation reportedly left about 300 people dead after days of fighting between troops loyal to President Salva Kiir and First Vice-President, Riek Machar.

However, a ceasefire unilaterally declared late Tuesday last week has since held, although the situation has remained tense amidst potentials for an eruption of violence.

The United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon has appealed to South Sudan’s main rival leaders to play leading roles in urgently resolving the latest crisis in the country.

(ST)