Unity state government condemns SPLM/IO “violation” of ceasefire

November 18, 2015 (JUBA)- The government of South Sudan’s Unity state has condemned what it described as the armed opposition’s (SPLM/IO) repeated acts of military aggressions on pro-government positions in violation of an agreed ceasefire.

“The Unity state government, under the leadership of Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of Republic of South Sudan and state governor Dr. Joseph Nguen Monytuil condemns in the strongest term possible the repulsed multiples attacks launched on our bases in Nhialdiu and Guit by rebels since yesterday[15 November] and today [16 November]. The government completely defeated them in self-defense and cleared them out of sight”, partly reads a 16 November statement extended to Sudan Tribune.

Government said it received intelligence reports faulting the attackers to have raided over 6,000 cattle, goats, sheep and moved towards swampy areas known as Toch Luak.

The opposition allegedly carried out a deadly ambush on Monday at the twin junction to Duar, resulting into the death of eight women and wounding six others in the same attack in which several houses were burnt to ashes and a number of vehicles were destroyed.

“This is a confirmed reality witnessed by our forces that are at the scene. As the government of Unity State, we call out the international communities, IGAD-Plus and the peace monitors in South Sudan to take a second thought on the recently signed agreement that we all expect to put to an end the more than 20 month old conflict,” noted the statement.

It added, “The IGAD-Plus and other stakeholders should now know that its seems to us as the Government and the people of Unity state that there is no partner in this peace where we are working hard towards its implementation and the unification of the South Sudanese people once again”.

The 16 November statement further labeled the SPLM/IO fighters as being brutal and cruel in the manner in which they carry out their operations and considered them “mercenaries” and “looters” who do not respect humanity and the recently signed accord.

Sudan Tribune was unable to get an immediate reaction from the armed opposition faction.

(ST)