South Sudan rebel commander warns of difficult road ahead

March 6, 2015 (JUBA) – A leading South Sudanese rebel commander has called on the citizens to prepare themselves for a difficult road ahead after the collapse of peace talks in Addis Ababa.

“We call on our people to prepare for difficult road ahead of us. Salva Kiir and the members of his regime are not ready for any peace to come to the country,” said general Dau Aturjong, SPLM-IO deputy chief of general staff for training on Friday.

Speaking to Sudan Tribune on Friday after the failure of the peace talks, the senior rebel commander said that the ruling faction of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement seems happy with the current situation

He further accused government troops of launching attack on their positions in Western Bahr el Ghazal on Thursday, claiming that the assailants have been ordered to go for an all-out military offensive.

“Salva Kiir and his henchmen have decided to take the country and our hostage in order for them to perpetuate their rule. They have declared an all-out war against the country and its people”, he said.

Observers expect the resumption of hostilities by the two warring parties after the collapse of the negotiations .

However, UN chief Ban Ki-moon warned on Friday against escalation of violence recalling the recent adoption of a sanctions regime by the Security Council.

(ST)