S. Sudan army regains Upper Nile town from opposition forces
March 7, 2015 (JUBA) – South Sudanese officials say pro-government forces regained full control of Wedakona, a strategic town north-west of Renk town in Upper Nile state on Saturday, ending days of intensive fighting with the country’s armed opposition forces.
“There has been fighting ongoing over the past days. The rebels have been attacking positions of our forces from Wedakona and using it to shell Renk town, resulting in the destruction of properties and death of innocent civilians,” Tuach told Sudan Tribune.
According to the official, government troops acted in self-defense because of the commitment to the ceasefire agreement, despite a series of attacks allegedly carried out by the armed opposition forces.
“Our forces were warmly received by the civil population there today at around 10:00am. It was a huge reception followed by other celebrations, because that town is located in a strategic place,” said Tuach.
The strategic town, he stressed, connects the young nation to the White Nile and South Kordofan states within its northern neighbour.
“It was also the place where the rebels used to have heavy artilleries which they used to shell the position of our forces in Renk,” said the minister, adding that citizens in the area were now free from attacks.
South Sudan army spokesperson, Col. Philip Aguer, confirmed that incident, saying government forces responded to repeated attacks from by the armed opposition forces on their positions in Wadakona.
Local sources, however, claimed government troops have been launching attacks on the position of the opposition forces with the view of wanting to expand their territorial control and bolstering the position of the government team at the peace talks.
Pro-government forces that control of Wedakona were reportedly led by Brig. General Akwoc Mayong, also known as Awad-Jabo.
Meanwhile, the armed opposition spokesperson, Col. Lony Ngundeng accused pro-government forces of allegedly carrying out offensives in several rebel positions.
“This is an indication of serious lack of government’s committed to peace negotiations. The Government is preparing for what they call dry season offensive with all heavy weaponry and equipment, launching attacks on our forces in five fronts”, said Ngundeng in a brief statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Saturday.
He claimed pro-government forces were preparing for attacks on rebels positions from Kodok towards Mathiang and Maiwut fronts.
The two South Sudanese warring factions have threatened an all-out war as a means to achieve their own objectives after President Salva Kiir and opposition leader, Riek Machar failed to reach a consensus at the negotiations in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Friday.
(ST)