South Sudanese army accused of provocation against opposition forces
March 29, 2016 (ADDIS ABABA) – South Sudanese army (SPLA) has been accused of planning to attack forces of the opposition faction of SPLA-IO in Unity state.
SPLA-IO’s spokesperson, Colonel William Gatjiath Deng, said their forces have been warned of imminent attack in Leer and Mayandit counties in Unity state.
“Our forces have received a warning from the government’s forces to attack them tomorrow (Wednesday). Government forces said they will attack Thonyor and Padea in Leer county and Daplual in Mayandit county in Unity state,” Colonel Deng told Sudan Tribune on Tuesday.
He called on the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) to monitor the situation and stop the government from carrying out the aggression.
Colonel Deng also said their forces have been respecting the ceasefire agreement, but have the right to self-defence if they come under attack.
The government’s forces who allegedly communicated the warning to attack the areas under the control of the SPLA-IO are in Leer, capital of the newly created Southern Liech state, with Takeer Riek as its newly appointed governor.
The accusation came a day after a 39-member of the first batch of the opposition forces arrived in Juba on Monday to take part in the security arrangement for the national capital.
(ST)