Rebels claim to have recaptured Jonglei’s Fangak county

December 13, 2014 (KAMPALA) – A colonel from South Sudan’s rebel faction says Jonglei state’s Fangak county has been recaptured by opposition forces and is now under its full control.

Colonel Gatdor Tut Luony, a commanding officer in the area, told Sudan Tribune on Saturday, that rebel fighters had been battling with forces loyal to president Salva Kiir for the past week.

“We have been under heavy shelling from pro-government forces until we desert our position. And this week the government still continues taking another step to attack us, which has forced us to retake the administrative area,” said Luony.

But South Sudan army spokesperson dismissed allegations of renewed fighting in Fangak.

“First of all, there is no fighting in Fangak as we talk now and there has never being fighting since last week,” Col. Phillip Aguer told Sudan Tribune by phone.

“There is calm in Fangak and what I read about rebel taking headquarter of Fangak county is a lie,” he added.

Phoem al Zeraf was recaptured by pro-government forces about two weeks ago, forcing rebel troops to withdraw from the area.

Fangak was initially under rebel control until being retaken by pro-government forces on 27 November.

Luony has accused government troops of burning down entire villages and of targeting civilians after taking control of the town last week.

Multiple rebel officials have confirmed to Sudan Tribune that the town has been taken by rebel forces aligned with former vice-president.

Heavy fighting in the area has reportedly displaced thousands of civilians across various locations.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) confirmed on its website on Saturday that fighting is continuing in the area.

Fangak county has been the scene of fierce fighting since violence rocked South Sudan’s capital, Juba, last December, before spreading to other parts of the country.

The conflict, triggered by a political dispute, sparked a wave of ethnic violence across the country as government and rebel forces battled for the upper hand.

Peace talks between the warring parties in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, have stalled amid ongoing disagreements and fresh outbreaks of violence.

Both sides have agreed to consult their supporters before a final agreement is signed.

The document proposes implementing a power-sharing arrangement between the president and a prime minster, to be appointed.

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), which is mediating peace talks, has warned the warring parties to cease from continuing hostilities and to immediately implement a previously agreed ceasefire deal.

The warring parties have also reportedly agreed to the withdrawal of foreign troops that have been fighting alongside the opposing forces since the conflict erupted.

(ST)