SPLA downplays allegations troop defection in Bahr el Ghazal
By Ngor Arol Garang
May 5, 2010 (WUNROK) — Officials from Sudan People’s Liberation Army in the regional capital of Juba have today on Wednesday 5, down played allegations of troop defection in the southern state of Northern Bahr el Ghazal on Tuesday.
On Tuesday 04, sources alleged that a rebellion had taken place within SPLA forces in northern Bahr el Ghazal under anonymous Brigadier General, purportedly acted in support of General Athor Deng, under instructions of Major General Dau Aturjong Nyuol. The report had been published by different media outlets.
However, General Dau, in an interview with Sudan Tribune, on the same Tuesday 04, quickly dismissed any link to rebellion alleged to have place in the southern state of Northern Bahr el Ghazal. He said he does know any Brigadier General he has instructed to support allegations and blames involving General Athor
On Wednesday, Colonel Malaak Ayuel, head of information and public relations department, in the office of the SPLA spokesman, at the SPLA General headquarters in Juba, equally dismissed allegations of defection within SPLA forces alleged to have taken place in Northern Bahr el Ghazal.
Take it from me that none of our soldiers in Northern Bahr el Ghazal has defected let alone allegations of departure of Brigadier General, Colonel Malaak said adding they do not even have any verbal reports of such nature from relevant authorities in the area.
“Governor of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, General Paul Malong Awan Anei is here in Juba and has never reported any security concern in the area. He would have not also left the area and come to Juba if he was aware of such big incident because it is a security issue. He is the head of security in his state and would have been the first reliable official to report it to relevant authorities in the government of southern Sudan, colonel Malaak adds.
The military officer who talked to Sudan Tribune as acting official spokesman of the SPLA, since General Kuol Deim Kuol, the SPLA official spokesman is out of the region, also warned against publication of unverified information. Such information should have been verified from relevant authorities before it was published, he said.
Additionally, Lieutenant Colonel Wol Majak from Juba also blamed media for publication of what he termed as confusing allegations. I do not blame the source but the publisher because they did not verify authenticity of information they received, adds Lieutenant colonel Wol Majak
“We have an office responsible dedicated to verifying and give correct information here in Juba and at SPLA division headquarters in all the regions,” he said in reference to office of SPLA official spokesperson.
(ST)
Ahmed Chol
SPLA downplays allegations troop defection in Bahr el Ghazal
First thing to do before the USA funnel any money into the South for development is to convince George Athor return home. He is the prodigal son and he is welcomed back anytime. He and his forces can be forgiven like Riek and Lam.
There is no reason for him to burn down what he has been building in the last 21 years of war. His rebellion will have little or no fruits because most of the Dinka including the Ngok people are wise and they will stay home without joining him. He should come back before it is too late. He should not let himself be misguided by Lam and Bashir. They will use him and abandon him anytime.
Ahmed Chol
Dengtaath
SPLA downplays allegations troop defection in Bahr el Ghazal
This defection of troops to support George Athor madness is not good at all. The SPLA must respect the will of Southern civilians, if Koul Manyang elected though there was a fraud and rigging involved, George Athor must keep silent because there are amany elections a head coming soon.
He cannot destroy south sudan with one error, if he is really a veteran he would better challenge the SPLM by using language rather than firing bullet to his comrads.
George Thor is an agent of devil at this time.
Dengtaath
king
SPLA downplays allegations troop defection in Bahr el Ghazal
It is good if everything reported turn to lie. Nobody want any kind of disaster but I am still blamed the government of South Sudan. This matter happen because of every negligent decision they make. Even now I am still worry because any solution they going to take will likely to turn disaster. But thanks God, may God help that poor government.
Gat nyaraan
SPLA downplays allegations troop defection in Bahr el Ghazal
Yeah, denial then later on we will discover that there was a rebellion. there is no smoke without fire.