South Sudanese rebels deny killing civilians in Unity state
By Tesfa-Alem Tekle
October 10, 2015 (ADDIS ABABA) – South Sudanese rebels led by the designated first vice-president, Riek Machar have dismissed as untrue claims made by the government that they killed 10 civilians in Unity state.
However, a rebel official attached to the armed opposition chairman’s office, refuted and condemned the accusations made by the government.
Nyarji Roman said their forces have never attacked any government positions in Unity state since the peace deal brokered by the Inter-governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) was signed in August.
“It is the government fighting its own people at Mayom county”, he added.
Roman refuted what he described a “bias” report from IGAD, which allegedly accused the armed opposition group of perpetuated attacks on the South Sudanese army bases.
The two South Sudanese warring factions signed a final peace deal in August to end the 21-month long conflict in the world’s youngest nation.
However the two sides have continued to engage in clashes with both sides trading accusation for the violation to the terms of the agreement.
Roman claimed South Sudan government forces attacked their defensive position in Koch county, located in the southern part of Unity state Friday.
“In two hours fierce battle, our forces were pushed out from the garrison and government forces re-occupied the base”, said the opposition official.
The United States government on Thursday urged the country’s leaders to adhere to provisions of the peace agreement and fully implement it in preparation for the establishment of the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGNU)
(ST)