Sep 28, 2020(Nyamilepedia) — A senior military officer of the SPLA in Opposition who defected recently from Kajo-Keji and joined the SSPDF has mobilized attacks on SPLA-IO forces in Kajo-Keji of Central Equatoria state.
Maj. Gen. Moses Lokjuo Gabriel defected to Salva Kiir’s side last week and gave SPLA-IO 4 days ultimaltum to vacate the area or risk fighting his forces.
According to the Deputy Spokesman of the SPLA-IO, Col Lam Paul Gabriel, Gen. Lokujo led offensives against their forces this morning at around 6 am.
“This morning the 28/09/2020, at about 6:00AM, the SPLA-IO reconnaissance unit along Kajo Keji-Morobo road was attacked by forces loyal to Maj. Gen. Moses Lokujo who recently defected to the SSPDF.” Col. Lam Paul Gabriel announced to media.
According to Lam Paul Gabriel, the unit that Gen. Lokujo fought this morning was recently deployed in Kajo-Keji in response to Lokujo’s warning to vacate the area.
“This reconnaissance unit was deployed after Lokujo gave four (4) days ultimatum to the SPLA-IO forces in Kajo Keji to vacate Morota Unified Training Tentre and Kajo Keji area or face his current combined forces.” Col. Lam said.
The SPLA-IO admits that Lokujo has an individual right to switch sides but he does not have rights to attack and displace civilians.
“It should be noted that the SPLA-IO is not against the defections of Lokujo as it is his individual right and freedom of choice, which the leadership cannot dictate upon. However, this intended circle of violence and conspiracies aimed at derailing the implementation of the Security Arrangements will only bring more suffering to the citizens of this country than good.” Lam said.
The SPLA-IO therefore calls on JMCC, JDB and CTSAMVM to intervene before the situation further escalates.
“The SPLA-IO urges the JMCC and JDB to quickly arrest the situation in Kajo Keji so that the suffering civilians there, will go back home and continue with their normal lives.” The SPLA-IO states.
“The SPLA-IO also calls upon the CTSAMVM to investigate this violations and bring those responsible to book.” Lam added.
According to Col. Lam Paul Gabriel, the SPLA-IO remains committed to the implementation of the Peace Agreement.
