Sudanese army hindering war against LRA

April 2, 2006 (KHARTOUM) — High ranking officer in the Sudan People’s Liberation Army accused Sudanese army of hindering war against Ugandan rebels in southern Sudan.

Head of operations of the SPLA Pyang Deng Kwal has said that the main obstacle facing them in their fight to eradicate the Ugandan rebel Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) is that the LRA attacks from areas under the control of the Sudanese armed forces (SAF).

In a press statement to Al-Ayam daily newspaper, Kwal further reaffirmed that elements linked to the LRA were still present in the south before the signing of the comprehenisve peace agreement.

The armed forces denied receiving any official accusation that it supported the LRA against the SPLA or the international monitoring forces.

Pyang said at times it was difficult to differentiate between the SAF and the LRA particularly in areas around Juba town such as Khawr Ramlah and Ajak where the SAF was stationed.

(ST)