South Sudanese president denies involvement in Malakal clashes

February 20, 2016 (JUBA) – The South Sudanese president Salva Kiir has issued a statement strongly distancing himself from this week’s armed confrontation involving forces allied to his government in the two regions of Bahr el Ghazal and Upper Nile.  

President Kiir, according to a statement bearing his name, which was extended to Sudan Tribune by his spokesperson, Ateny Wek Ateny, condemned the attack in Wau and Malakal, saying what occurred was without the consent of his office .

“I condemn in the strongest terms possible the recent deadly clashes which occurred in Malakal and Wau between government and Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) forces”, said Kiir                                                 

The government and the armed opposition leadership, according to the presidential statement, have committed themselves to cessation of hostilities and no longer at war with each other to carry out offenses to inflict and cause atrocities on the lives of innocent civil population in the country.   

“Both the government and SPLM-IO have committed to cessation of hostilities and are no longer in a state of war. All parties are coordinating efforts to restore full peace and stability to South Sudan”, the statement adds in part.                                              

He commended police of the United Nations for alleged quick intervention to restore peace and tranquility in the camp under its responsibility in Malakal.

“I commend the UNMISS police for quickly intervening and restoring calm.  UNMISS police is legal authority within its jurisdiction to maintain protection of civilians site and act within their mandate.  As partners, the government is ready to cooperate with UNMISS through our local authorities to de-escalate tension and ensure that the perimeter of the compound remains secure”, said Kiir.

The local authorities in Wau, according to the presidential statement, have restored order and are working to identify and investigate true perpetuators.   

“In Wau, our local authorities have restored order and are diligently working to investigate the true perpetuators of these attacks and reconcile the feuding communities.  My government remains committed to the full implementation of the peace agreement and as such is preparing for the transitional government of national unity as soon as Dr.Riek returns to Juba”,  said the South Sudanese leader.                                                                                                

The president called on the citizens to remain peaceful and tolerance during transitional period and called on peace partners, specifically the intergovernmental authority on development partners to support efforts to secure and maintain peace as it is the crucial elements of implementation of the deal which he and armed opposition leader, Riek Machar signed in August 2015.   

(ST)