March 25th, 2018(Nyamilepedia) — Latest reports from South Sudan’s Equatoria and Upper Nile regions confirm heavy fighting between Kiir and Machar led SPLA forces in the towns of Nasir and Kajo-Keji counties.
Accusing the government faction, SPLA-IG, of attacking their position, the deputy spokesman of SPLA(IO) reports that fighting began at 8Am on Sunday, March 25th, and went on until the time of his report.
“This morning at about 8:00am the regime’s forces left their trenches and attacked our positions in Morsak and Sokare, Kajo keji in an attempt to forcefully open the road from Kajo keji to Panyume. The fight is heavy and still ongoing as I write.” Col. Lam Paul Gabriel said.
The armed opposition believes that the regime governor of Yei River State, Emmanuel Adil and SPLA IG senior commander of Kaya town held a meeting on March 17th and gave orders to junior officers to launch an operation around Kajo-Keji to open up major trade routes to Uganda that are currently controlled by the SPLA in Opposition.
“This came as a result of a meeting held by the regime’s Governor of Yei River Emmanuel Adil and the SPLA IG senior officers in Kaya on 17/03/2018.” Col Lam claims.
“Governor Emmanuel Adil and the regime’s forces plan to militarily engage the SPLA IO along the Keji kaji -panyume (which began today), Lasu -ombasi, Morobo -lujulo-ombasi, Morobo-panyume- yarebe and Pakula-yarebe before the next phase of the HLRF in convenes” The deputy spokesman continues.
The opposition spokesman reiterates that the government troops are using the border town of Kaya strategically as their launching pad and also to sustain continued military supply that is sneaked into South Sudan through Uganda.
Fighting Around Nasir, Sobat State
The Opposition also reported similar attacks on their positions in Sobat state this morning at around 8am.
“In Sobat state, at about 8:00am on 25/03/2018, the regime’s forces also came out from Nasir and attacked our forces in Dhording and Wichtut in another set of violations but they were repulsed to Dhording where the fight is still ongoing.” SPLA(IO) sources alleged.
“This is a clear sign that the regime is not ready for a peaceful solution to this conflict created by Salva kiir” Lam Paul Gabriel said.
While calling on their forceS to fight on only in self-defense, the SPLA(IO) calls on the peace monitoring bodies, the CTSAMM and UNMISS, to investigate these incidents immediately.
On the other hand, the government spokesman, Brig. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, alleged that the SPLA(IO) in Maiwut and Latjor states have been ordered by their Cheif of General Staff, Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual, to move to Buoth along Sudan-South Sudan border to receive supplies and stage more offenses before the resumption of the Revitalization forum next month.
“SPLA IO rebels loyal to Riek Machar and under direct command of Maj. Gen. Khor Chuol Giet had been ordered by their Chief of General Staff, Simon Gatwech Dual to move to Buoth, a on South Sudan border with Sudan to receive fresh supplies of ammunition.” Brig. Lul Ruai Kong states.
“Imminent attacks are expected before or during forthcoming Revitalisation Talks scheduled for the first of week April 2018. SPLA calls upon CTSAMM to investigate and verify latest offensive positions and posture taken by rebels in preparation for all out war.” Lul continued.
Brigadier Lul’s statement predicts more fighting in the coming days, which according to rebel intelligence, may reveal the government plans to attack opposition’s strongholds.
“Those are clear preparations and indicative of rebels’ intention to launch coordinated and simultaneous attacks on National Army’s Defensive positions in the next few days and weeks.” Lul said.
Nyamilepedia was not able to immediately verify these accusations and casualties of the ongoing fighting.
South Sudan’s conflict, which began in December 2013, has continued to escalate despite many attempts by the region and the international community to end it.
Reports from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, confirmed that the IGAD Council will meet again today to discuss South Sudan crises, the Revitalization forum and active role of the SPLM/A(IO) Chairman, Dr. Riek Machar Teny, in the peace process.
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