S. Sudanese army comes under another attack in Western Equatoria
May 29, 2015 (JUBA) – South Sudanese army (SPLA) came under yet another deadly attack on Thursday in Yambio county in Western Equatoria state. Senior national and state government officials continue to contradict themselves over how to describe the emerging situation.
“The Platoon had serious military confrontations for 45 minutes causing heavy losses on the SPLA forces based in Myka Military billet, in Western Equatoria State, before they retreated and joined the patriotic forces of REMNASA, stationed in Rimenze,” said a statement extended to Sudan Tribune.
This latest attack happened exactly seven days after the first attack which resulted to brief capture of Mundri county’s administrative headquarters in the state.
Information minister in Western Equatoria, Charles Kisanga, confirmed the attack which he said took place in Bangasu payam in Yambio county on Thursday night. He said an army base at Nyaka area was attacked by “unknown” gunmen, revealing that at least one soldier died and four others wounded in the clashes.
“We got this information this morning that there is a small base of SPLA set up this year and some unknown gunmen attacked it last night,” Kisanga told UN-run Miraya FM radio on Friday.
He however insisted on refuting claims by government officials in Juba which declared the situation as “rebellion” in the state.
The official said the situation which occurred in Mundri last Friday resulted from attack by armed youth after the killing of executive director of the county, blaming the South Sudanese army for instigating the incident.
The state official further accused the South Sudanese army of being tribal and violent oriented against the citizens and their properties, citing destruction of Mundri town as an example.
“The army needs to be a national army instead of being from one tribe who can go on rampage like they did. You see how Mundri town had been devastated by the very soldiers who are supposed to protect the citizens,” he said.
“They looted shops, all the supplies and there was shooting and all the people fled to the bushes,” he charged.
In the Thursday’s attack in Yambio, Kisanga admitted that he couldn’t ascertain those who were responsible for the latest fighting in the state.
REBELLION IN WESTERN EQUATORIA
National minister of information, Michael Makuei Lueth, said the situation was clearly indicating that a rebellion was emerging in Western Equatoria state, but added that an investigation was to be carried out to know what was behind the rebellion.
“It is decided that there shall be conducted an investigation into the matter so that we know exactly what are the intentions of Wesley Welade who is now the leader of this force,” Lueth told reporters in Juba after cabinet meeting on Friday.
He said it was clear that a rebel group was forming itself in the state, saying this will not be allowed to happen. He added the army had already been directed to deal with the situation.
“The indicators are very clear that this is a rebellion,” he said.
He also added that even if the new rebels were not connected to the rebels of the country’s former vice president, Riek Machar, it was a rebellion that should be properly addressed.
(ST)