January 17th 2020 (Nyamilepedia) – South Sudan government forces loyal to President Salva Kiir Mayardit have attacked two bases belonging to former army chief Gen. Paul Malong Awan, an opposition spokesman said in a statement on Friday.
This comes few days after Malong’s group – a non-signatory the revitalized peace agreement – along with other holdout opposition groups signed a document in Rome to recommit to a 2017 ceasefire agreement.
In a statement this evening, Malong’s spokesman, Sunday de’John, said their forces came under attack in Unity state’s eastern part from government forces stationed there.
“The South Sudan United Front/Army is informing its entire membership, supporters, partners and the international community that yesterday at around 5:30 PM our forces were attacked by heavily armed forces belonging to the government of the Republic of South Sudan,” the statement seen by Nyamilepedia partly read.
“The attack occurred in the areas around Chiombarow and Riaydeng villages. These are areas between Nhialdiu and Bentiu. The attack resulted into some injuries on both sides and the field commanders are trying to monitor the situation in avoidance of further confrontations,” the statement added.
The statement regretted the attacked which occurred few hours after Malong declared ceasefire across the country.
The statement added that the attack was “politically motivated and thus, was aimed at peace spoilage and despite this, South Sudan United Front/Army will focus its efforts in respect of the recently signed Rome Declaration that called for cessation of hostilities.”
It further reiterated its commitment to the Rome declaration signed with the government.
