South Sudan’s official accuses SPLA-IO of looting cattle in Northern Liech state

April 15, 2016 (BENTIU) – A South Sudan official from Northern Liech state has denied that their forces attacked the armed opposition faction of SPLA-IO forces west of the Bentiu capital in Unity region and instead counter-accused the opposition forces allied to designated First Vice President, Riek Machar, of raiding thousands of cattle from civilians during fighting on Wednesday and Thursday.

In an interview with Sudan Tribune, John Bol Mayak, Commissioner of Mayom county, although he admitted that fighting took place, he said the clashes were between the opposition forces and civilians in cattle camps in Riak, Tuoch-luak and Wichok, south of Mayom county.

He claimed 2,472 heads of cattle were raided in the attacks carried out by the armed opposition forces, adding that the groups were heavily equipped with weapons, including machine guns and RPGs.

Mayak said six civilians and four SPLA soldiers were killed following Wednesday and Thursday clashes between SPLA-IO and SPLA forces, when government forces intervened.

He called on the SPLA-IO to cooperate with government in order to return back the raided cattle to their owners.

“It is very unfortunate that to witness raiding and killing of our communities meanwhile both government and SPLM-IO remain committed to the peace implementation. We urge the leadership of SPLA-IO to return back the looted cattle to owners,” he said.

He added that the armed opposition forces were repulsed back by the SPLA on Thursday afternoon, claiming that the SPLA forces had the right to self-defend in case of violation and challenged the SPLA-IO to respect peace, in order to end the conflicts that have displaced many South Sudanese.

“It is very important that we shall remain respectful to peace as people awaiting the return of the first vice president Dr. Riek Machar Teny to Juba, in order to form a government of national unity with Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit,” he said.

Mayak has called on the international community and the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) to investigate the recent attacks claimed to be perpetuated by members of the SPLA-IO in the area.

Earlier, SPLA-IO said their forces came under surprise attacks from government troops and had to fight back in self-defence.

(ST)