SPLA-IO says government forces on offensive in Unity state

October 21, 2015 (ADDIS ABABA) – South Sudanese armed opposition fighters (SPLA-IO) have accused the government of further violations of the declared permanent ceasefire by launching new offensive against their forces in the oil-rich Unity state.

“Today [Wednesday] at 8:00am, government troop launched an attack on our military bases at Gaatdoor at Leer County in Unity state. Since yesterday they keep on shelling at nearby villages around Leer County,” said SPLA-IO military spokesman, Colonel William Gatjiath Deng, in a statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Wednesday.

“Due to this random shelling, all civilians around the areas evacuated their villages and run to the bush for safety,” he added.

The accusation came as top negotiators and senior military leaders on both sides were set to resume negotiations on implementation of the permanent ceasefire and security arrangements in accordance with the peace deal inked in August by president Salva Kiir and his rival, former vice president, Riek Machar.

However, Colonel Deng said government forces began fresh attacks on Tuesday and continued on Wednesday in the southern party of Unity state in violation of the ceasefire.

“Early in the morning, government troops started their moves from Koch County through Mirmir Payam, as they approached the area and then started to shell at Gaatdoor Payam, burned down the villages and looted the houses,” he said.

He called on the regional bloc, IGAD, which mediates the implementation of the peace agreement to put pressure on the government to stop the alleged violations.

(ST)