SPLM-IO condemns continued attacks by government forces

August 29, 2015 (ADDIS ABABA) – South Sudanese armed opposition faction of SPLM-IO has condemned government forces for allegedly continuing with military offensive against their bases in violation of the peace agreement signed by the opposition leader, Riek Machar and president Salva Kiir on 17 and 26 August, respectively.

“SPLM/SPLA condemns in the strongest possible terms the continued military offensive by forces of the regime in Juba against bases of SPLM/SPLA in Unity and Upper Nile states. Government forces on Friday shelled our bases in the west bank of the River Nile near Malakal, Upper Nile state’s capital,” said James Gatdet Dak, spokesperson of the opposition’s leadership, in a press statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Saturday.

“This is a serious violation of the terms of the peace Agreement signed on 17th and 26th August 2015 by the principals of the two warring parties and declaration of Permanent Ceasefire which shall come into effect at midnight of 29th August 2015,” he said.

Dak said three ferries and six boats carrying troops and mounted with heavy weaponry have been shelling their defence positions along the river in Unity state as they proceeded to Malakal.

“We suspect that their plan is to launch a full scale offensive against our bases around Malakal,” he added.

He called on the international community to exert pressure on the government to stop the war and abide by the declared ceasefire.

Government officials however denied the accusations and blamed the fighting around Malakal on the opposition fighters.

The two warring parties have declared permanent ceasefire to come into force by Saturday midnight, but it remains unclear if this will be respected.

(ST)