South Sudan’s armed opposition denies attacks on government forces in Unity state

September 25, 2015 (KAMPALA) – South Sudan’s armed opposition, led by former vice-president, Riek Machar, denied reports by government that they initiated renewed fighting in Unity state.

Speaking over phone on Friday, Major Weirial Puok Baluang, press secretary for the rebel appointed governor of the oil rich state, dismissed the claims as fabrications against their forces on the ground.

“Our gallant army is more committed to the recently signed peace deal by our chairman. Therefore, we can’t breach the deal while we were the first signatory,” said Major Baluang.

“We didn’t attempt to attack government positions but we are on defensive across the state since the time our chairman Dr. Riek Machar signed the deal. The government has been on offensive from day one in Nhialdiu, Taiyar, Koch, and Leer counties,” he said.

The rebel official also denied statements by the Unity state’s minister of culture, youth and sports Lam Tungwar Kueigwong about attacks by the rebel fighters saying such declarations are ” total propaganda “” which aims to confuse the public about government’s violations of the peace agreement when they attacked bases controlled by the opposition faction.

Also, he dismissed claims that 20 rebels were killed in the clashes in Duar, south of Bentiu about 40 kilometres away from Guit county. He asserted their forces were still in control of all areas, adding that they had been respecting the peace deal despite the attacks by government.

Baluang claimed that most of the vital institutional buildings in Bentiu town, including the governor’s office and secretariat general offices and judiciary offices were allegedly destroyed by pro-government forces when they learnt that the state governorship was given to the rebels in accordance with the peace agreement, a claim Sudan Tribune did not independently verify.

(ST)