S. Sudan army warns of “decisive” military action against rebels

October 11, 2014 (JUBA) – The South Sudanese army (SPLA) on Saturday vowed to take decisive military actions against rebel forces should the latter fail to agree on a peaceful settlement of the country’s nearly 10-month old conflict.

“When situation is like this, civilians quit, they run away and the army remains. Do you know why? This is because in such a situation, the army is the only hope because we have the responsibility to protect the civilians who have fled their homes and ensures none of their properties is destroyed and that none of them is harmed,” said Lt. Gen. James Mawut Ajonga, the army’s deputy chief of staff for operations.

“But when we quit or run away, the country runs down,” he added.

Ajonga, while addressing troops at a parade in Upper Nile state’s Renk county, lauded the SPLA for defending the country in line with their mandate.

“I would like to congratulate you [ soldiers] and commanding officers for standing with the government in defense of the constitution and the national territorial integrity. This is our mandate. I know there are people who see our weakness when they are part of us and think we will not withstand any attempts, but when they go and come back on our positions, they get it,” said the senior army official.

“They get to know that we are never weak and cannot be defeated. This has happened several times and nothing had changed. There could be challenges but they are like challenges with any other armed forces anywhere in the world,” he added.

Gen. Paul Malong Awan, the army’s chief of general staff, commended the troops for their loyalty and commitment in defense of the country against the enemy forces.

“Thank you and on behalf of the general command, I congratulate you for all the achievements you have made. You have shown the nation that you are capable of defending it. If there are those who think they will succeed to establish tribal government, then it is false. It will never happen,” Awan told the soldiers.

South Sudan witnessed an outbreak of violence late last year in what government says was a failed coup attempt by former vice-president Riek Machar, who denies it.

Since then, several politicians and armed officers from different regions and ethnic background across the country have joined the rebellion, largely viewed as a tribal warfare between the Dinka and Nuer, two of the country’s largest ethnic groups.

The state-owned SSTV on Saturday showed images of government soldiers declaring their readiness to militarily end the ongoing rebellion in the young nation.

Awan, who visited soldiers at the frontlines, said morale was “high” among the forces.

“The morale of the SPLA forces was high and expressed readiness to launch decisive military campaign to bring to and the rebellion of Riek Machar and those who continue to agitate for war. They told us in songs and in speeches, because it was an open parade to hear their views. [The] majority have declared readiness to end this senseless rebellion within days if they are allowed. I said ‘no, you should continue to remain in your positions as you were previously instructed by the commander in chief,’” said Awan.

“But I told them to be on standby because even when there is no war, a soldier has to be ready for any tasks and other national assignments,” he added.

(ST)