S. Sudan army and REMNASA forces clash in Maridi county
June 18, 2015 (MARIDI) – A spokesperson for the Revolutionary Movement for National Salvation (REMNASA) claimed their forces successfully raided Maridi town, rescuing the county commissioner and locals from “well armed government allied Dinka tribal militia”.
“The incident happened after the community of Maridi issued a press-statement on 11 June 2015 condemning the evil acts of the Dinka cattle keepers with backing of the government forces (SPLA), whereas they burnt houses, killed innocent civilians and looted people’s properties between 7-9 June 2015,” he said in a statement.
He added, “Our brilliant forces intervened and destroyed the SPLA’s production unit as per our press release dated 9th June 2015”.
The Maridi community, in their press statement, called for full implementation of the 8 April presidential decree, which demanded that all cattle Greater Equatoria deployed in Maridi be evacuated.The South Sudanese president, Salva Kiir issued the order.
It further called for respect of the constitution and that civilians be protected, without discrimination and bias toward some ethnicity.
Col. Martin claimed the armed militia group invaded the residence of the Maridi county commissioner with “intention to assassinate him and his family as well to massacre the population of Maridi town, allegations which Sudan Tribune could not easily verify.
“Our revolutionary forces killed at least 20 SPLA and their allied tribal forces and injured several others and were in control of Maridi town for five hours before it tactical retreated,” he further claimed.
The REMNASA spokesperson appealed to the civilian population in Maridi to refrain from using military mobility as well to remain in demilitarised zones for safety reasons.
(ST)