South Sudan rebels accuse gov’t of planning to kidnap refugees in Uganda
April 6, 2018 (JUBA) – South Sudan rebels allied to the country’s former First Vice- President Riek Machar claimed that the South Sudanese government was planning to kidnap and track down refugees in Ugandan resettlement camps and Kampala town.
He further provided the name of an intelligence officer saying he was assigned in Arua district to coordinate with the South Sudan embassy in Kampala for activities in relation to kidnapping.
“The group is sent with much money for bribing (Ugandan) officers to facilitate their evil plan of abduction and deportation. Two wounded soldiers, two officers of the SPLA-IO and an ambulance driver have been arrested and detained in Koboko,” he said.
Koboko is a town in the northern region of Uganda.
He said the crackdown exercise is extended to South Sudan refugees along the border towns and some areas in Kampala, on the basis that they are supporters and sympathizers of the SPLM/A-IO.
“The SPLA-IO condemns such dubious activities of the regime in Juba and calls upon the Uganda government to prevent the spill-over of the insecurity from South Sudan by cracking down those elements sent to carry out operational activities that violate Uganda’s territorial integrity,” he added.
The rebel deputy spokesperson has urged the government of Uganda to maintain its previous honest policy aiming to secure the border and prevent cross-border violence.
NEW CLASHES IN RAJA
Meanwhile, Col. Lam has accused the Sudanese rebel groups, allegedly fighting alongside the government forces, of attacking their base in Raja of Lol State.
“On 05/04/2018 at about 1:32 pm, the ethnic regime in Juba combined with JEM militias attacked the SPLM/A-IO positions in Uyu-juku (Diem Ziber) and Sabo areas of Raja. The forces were supported with 5 Land Cruisers mounted with 12.7mm during the attack,” he said.
However, he said their forces have defeated and repulsed the assailants with heavy losses.
“Our forces captured 23 Ak-47, 4 RBG, 3 PKM in good condition, and destroyed one land cruiser pickup.25 enemy’s dead bodies counted and several injured as blood trails could be seen,” he said.
The rebel official renewed calls to the CTSAMM a body mandate to document all violations in the country to investigate recent fighting and report it to the relevant authority.
(ST)