S. Sudanese army to pursue rebels in Eastern Equatoria
December 14, 2015 (JUBA) – The South Sudanese government has ordered the Sudan Peoples Liberation Amy (SPLA) to pursue a new rebel group in Eastern Equatoria state.
“Those criminals, those bandits who are obstructing free movements of our people and goods in eastern Equatoria state must be pursued. They must be given hot pursuit. The SPLA forces have now been directed to pursue them so that they are brought to book to answer the cause of their actions”, said the visibly-angry minister.
This move comes amid reports that scores of people were killed during clashes between the army and armed groups in Eastern Equatoria state.
Multiple sources have given conflicting accounts on clashes, which occurred in Oguruny village. In two separate incidences, government forces reportedly attacked three military sites suspected to be the hiding places for armed dissidents describing themselves as the South Sudan Armed forces.
Col. Mario Bertino, a spokesperson for the armed group, claimed Oguruny village was burned down by government forces after failing to push them out from the area following attacks onto their positions over the weekend.
Last week, the governor of Eastern Equatoria state, Louis Lobong Lojore told the United Nations- sponsored Radio Miraya that at least four insecurity incidents have taken place along Torit-Kilia and Kapoeta roads.
He said a police colonel identified as Anthony Ongwaja and his group were allegedly behind these attacks, but vowed to apply both military and political approaches in order to maintain peace and security in the area.
(ST)