SSNLM forces in Western Equatoria state deny defection to SPLA-IO

February 8, 2016 (YAMBIO) – The South Sudan National Liberation Movement (SSNLM), sometimes known as Arrow Boys in Western Equatoria state on Monday strongly denied the allegation of defection of their forces to the SPLM-IO let by former Vice President, Riek Machar, saying they are still waiting for the government of President Salva Kiir to strike a final deal with them.

Abel Mathew Mbaraza, who claimed to be the spokesperson of SSNLM has refuted the allegation from SPLA-IO commander in Western Equatoria State that a total force of 8,000 of the SSNLM joined the opposition group on Friday in Rangu Payam in Yambio county in the state.

“This is a total lie from SPLM-IO in Western Equatoria State that we (SSNLM) have defected to them, we can speak on our behalf not them speaking on our behalf,” Mbaraza told Sudan Tribune on Monday.

Malesh in a statement he forwarded to Sudan Tribune on Saturday claimed that SSNLM forces joined his forces in the state and have officially become part and parcel of the opposition group in the area.

He further claimed that SSNLM forces were united in their group and only waiting for the government of South Sudan to sign a final deal to start implementing the peace agreement as soon as possible “because people of Western Equatoria State have suffered enough and they need peace.”

He added that the claim from Major General Henry Malesh with his group is a total lie and it could not be the SPLM-IO to declare their defection.

Despite the recent fight in Yambio between the South Sudanese army (SPLA) and SSNLM late last month the spokesperson reiterated their commitment to dialogue with the government and reach a fruitful agreement.

There are many opposition groups in Western Equatoria fighting against the government for political and land defence reasons.

(ST)