S. Sudan rebels urge civilians to evacuate 

December 6, 2011 (YEI) – The South Sudan Democratic Movement (SSDM), one of the rebel groups fighting the Government of South Sudan, on Monday issued a statement urging the civil population to immediately evacuate strategic areas.  

“Our forces do not fight civilians. We are a people’s movement fighting those denying our people services. These are the people using them as shield. They are the ones killing them”, James Nuot, spokesperson for George Athor Deng’s SSDM, told Sudan Tribune on Monday.  

Talks between Athor and the South Sudan’s ministerial delegation broke down in November.

Athor, defected from the SPLA and began an armed insurrection in Jonglei state after the April 2010 elections. Athor signed a peace deal in January 2011, which was reneged upon in February 2011.

A Small Arms Survey report found evidence to suggest that Athor receives backing from Khartoum

On Monday Nuot blamed the failure of the talks of un-mandated status of the government delegation tasked with reaching a settlement with the SSLM.

Nuot accused the UN of having a negative stance regarding the negotiation process, which the SSLM is keen to engage in.

He said negotiations would be dependent on the observation of international mediator; the holding of elections one year after the singing of an agreement; the integration of SSLM forces into South Sudan’s army, the Sudan People’s Liberation Army; compensation for citizens affected by conflict; and the release of political prisoners.

(ST)