South Sudanese rebels claim clashes in Eastern Equatoria’s Magwi county

August 12, 2015 (MAGWI) – South Sudanese armed opposition faction of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM-IO) said rebel forces stationed in Magwi county in Eastern Equatoria state and loyal to former vice president, Riek Machar, clashed on Wednesday with government forces in the area.

A spokesman for the newly appointed governor of the rebel established Imatong state, Oyet Nathaniel Pierino, said government forces attacked positions of the opposition forces in the area but the attackers were repulsed.

“Today, 12/08/2015 at 5:00am, pro-government forces in a flagrant violation of Cessation of Hostilities Agreement attacked our forces in Magwi west area of Magwi county,” said Major Auwas Simon Pidomoe, who signed as information press secretary and spokesperson of the Imatong state governor, in a press statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Wednesday.

He claimed that government forces were defeated and in “hot pursuit” leaving behind casualties, adding that 1 AK47 rifle, 1 PKM machine gun and a Samsung smart phone were captured by the rebels in the clashes.

Pidomoe further explained that the operation was led by commander Lam Paul under the command of the battalion commander, Michael Odogtoo.

He called on president Salva Kiir to step down, saying the rebel forces will not recognize his presidency.

“The government of Salva Kiir is illegitimate to the fullness of its actions and scope and we do not recognize it. Kiir must step down to avoid plunging the country into total chaos,” he said.

Government officials were not immediately available for comment.

Rebels in the past claimed to have forces in Eastern Equatoria state under the overall command of Major General Martin Kenyi. No significant military operations have however taken place in the area since the outbreak of the war in December 2013.

(ST)