South Sudanese rival forces clash in Unity region
April 14, 2016 (BENTIU) – South Sudanese army (SPLA) and the opposition forces loyal to First Vice President designate have on Wednesday and Thursday clashed in the oil rich Unity region, as government forces allegedly attacked opposition forces in the area.
Fighting is still continuing, according to the opposition forces who said to have put up a fierce resistance.
Officials of the opposition faction, SPLA-IO, said their forces came under surprise attacks in western part of Rupkotni county, north of the state capital, Bentiu, just three days before the expected return to Juba of their top leader, Machar.
Speaking over satellite phone, Major Weirial Puok Baluang, spokesperson for the opposition’s governor of Unity state, said heavy fighting was still continuing on Thursday when government forces attacked their positions in Turkiel, Waak and Manluo areas.
The recent clashes followed last week’s attacks on opposition forces in Western Bahr el Ghazal and Western Equatoria states, when government forces admitted attacking forces they described as “criminals and bandits.”
SPLA-IO said their forces are not allowed to assemble in cantonment areas per the provisions of the security arrangements and have been under constant attacks by government troops, which the opposition said is a violation of the peace agreement.
Opposition’s governor’s press secretary in Unity region also said their forces came under several other attacks by government forces coming out from their bases in Wangkel and Wichok, southwest of Mayom county, further alleging that they came with three barges and used River Naam for launching the offensives.
“As of now fighting continues with our forces on the ground. We have been establishing contacts with our officials this evening and they have confirmed, they are clashing in the area,” Baluang said.
He claimed the government has sent reinforcement forces from Bentiu on Thursday evening to counter attack their forces behind as they defended their defensive locations west of west of state capital.
He however said the armed opposition remained honouring the August 2015 peace deal, but has accused South Sudan government of working to derail the implementation of the peace agreement.
“Our position has been clear that we remain respectful to agreement, we need to bring an ending of this senseless war for the good of South Sudanese people. But this has never been in the mind of our brother in the government, who does not realize the importance of peace and believes in militarily solutions,” he said.
“There are groups of officials within South Sudan government who do not want peace because they [are] infuriated of losing positions in the upcoming formation of national unity government,” he added.
He also added that the governorship of the oil rich Unity state belongs to the SPLM-IO in accordance with the power sharing arrangements in the peace agreement.
The top leader of the South Sudan’s armed opposition, Machar, is expected to arrive in Juba on 18 April after President Salva Kiir agreed on Thursday to allow him to take oath of office as First Vice President.
However, opposition officials say the situation remains uncertain as there is no confirmation that the capital, Juba, has been demilitarized in accordance with the security arrangements.
Machar will not also be allowed to conduct a public rally jointly with the government which he requested in order to reassure the public on the peace agreement. A popular reception for him by the residents of Juba is also prohibited by the government.
Dozens of officials of the SPLM-IO are also languishing in the prisons in Juba when they were arrested on Tuesday for attempting to mobilize the public for reception of Machar’s deputy, Alfred Lado Gore.
(ST)