South Sudan’s warring parties trade accusations of hostilities
November 16, 2015 (BENTIU) – The two main warring parties in South Sudan’s conflict have accused each other of fresh violations in areas south west of Rubkotna county in oil-producing Unity state, despite the recent security deal reached in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
An armed opposition official told Sudan Tribune that pro-government forces attacked areas around Nhialdiu payam and parts of south and northern Unity state in violation of the peace deal.
“Since yesterday [Sunday] evening, pro-government were shelling our positions in various frontlines until this morning [Monday] when our gallant forces and local youths from Rubkotna responded in self-defence to overrun Nhialdiu,” Major Weirial Puok, the spokesperson for SPLM-IO said.
The said pro-government forces acted with instructions from Unity state’s caretaker governor, claims Sudan Tribune could not independently verify.
Puok said the armed opposition was committed to the security agreement and urged the Juba govermment to desist from acts of military aggression.
“It is very clear that the government is on violation. This mean that they do not value the peace agreement which has a few weeks left for its effective implementation,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Unity state’s cabinet affairs minister also confirmed the clashes that occurred in Nhialdiu payam, but largely blamed the attack on the armed opposition forces.
“Yesterday [Sunday] there was actually an attack until today people are now fighting in Nhialdiu and that is a government control area. I report it officially to UN [United Nations] and I have informed the IGAD [Intergovernmental Authority on Development] to talk with the IO in their part and to verify the information correctly,” said Chuol Biel.
“And my message to the armed opposition is that they should observe and abide by the signed peace agreement,” added Biel, who is currently the acting caretaker governor.
(ST)