S. Sudanese army, rebels clash in Central Equatorial state
September 10, 2015 (KAMPALA) – Fresh clashes erupted on Thursday between the South Sudanese army and the armed opposition forces, barely a month after the two rival factions signed a peace accord.
He said the attacks occurred at 8:00am and further accused forces loyal to President Salva Kiir of violating the agreed ceasefire.
“This is the usual character of South Sudan government to attacks us everywhere in all of our fronts in the country. This shows they are not serious on terms and conditions of the signed peace compromise,” Kenyi told Sudan Tribune over satellite link.
He accused pro-government forces of attempting to regain more of their territories, but claimed they were repulsed with heavy losses.
“Today pro-government attacked our bases in Mangkaro, Mengel and Kotigiri in Central Equatoria. This is an indication that some insider within Kiir’s government does not respect his order to observe the ceasefire after signing the deal on August 26,” he added.
The rebels, Kenyi said, captured a pro-government army vehicle in good condition, killed 11 soldiers while seven were allegedly injured.
“These pro-governments were repulsed with heavy losses in their attempt to take our territories, they thought of defeating us, but this was wrong calculation from the government,” said Kenyi.
He added, “Our armies are more trained than the Mathianganyoor”.
The senior rebel commander further warned government forces against continued attacks, saying they would be forced to retaliate.
Both warring factions have traded accusations of hostilities despite declaring a permanent ceasefire after they signed a peace deal.
Last week, the United States warned of the serious consequences of violating the peace accord president Kiir and the armed opposition leader, Riek Machar signed in the presence of regional mediators.
(ST)