S. Sudan army claims rebels entered Unity state from Sudan

August 24, 2014 (JUBA) – South Sudanese loyal to former vice-president Riek Machar are crossing into Unity state from Sudan with heavy military equipment, a spokesperson for the army said.

Col. Philip Aguer did not directly accuse Khartoum of aiding the rebels, but said actions by the latter contravened the cessation of hostilities agreement signed between government and the opposition.

“There have been unusual activities, including hostile movement of rebels of Riek Machar with heavy equipment and weapons crossing into Unity state from Sudan, which is a violation of the agreements that have been signed with the rebels and others,” he told the state-owned SSTV.

Samuel Goch, a national lawmaker, said the Sudanese government had allowed rebels to carry out “illegal and provocative acts”.

“We urged the region, especially those countries which have interest in South Sudan like Sudan to cease dealing with the rebels of Riek Machar and press them to carrying acts in violation of international law and of the adverse consequences of any provocative and dangerous acts for which they would be held responsible”, Goch told Sudan Tribune on Saturday.

The Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) spokesperson Khaled al-Sawarmi reaffirmed recently that his country does not provide any support for the South Sudanese rebels led by Machar.

Since the South Sudan’s secession in 2011, the two countries have several outstanding conflicts related the demarcation of the border areas and a referendum to be held on the future of the disputed Abyei region.

(ST)