June 28th 2018 (Nyamilepedia) – South Sudan’s main armed opposition movement, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM-IO) under the leadership of the country’s former First Vice-President Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon have distanced itself from the death of a UNMISS peacekeeper who was killed after an unknown armed men opened fire against a UN convoy travelling from Yei to Yasu according to a statement by the United Nations on Wednesday.
“The SPLA IO has not only given safe passages to UNMISS escorts through its areas of control but also given UNMISS unhindered access to to perform their required duties. As a movement, the SPLA IO doesn’t have a policy of attacking UNMISS or civilian’s convoys no matter the situation. We extend our sincere condolences to UNMISS and the family of the demise,” the statement partly read.
The statement signed by the SPLA-IO deputy spokesman Col. Lam Paul Gabriel urged the UNMISS to approach the site of the incident in order to investigate.
“The SPLA IO calls upon the CTSAMM to go into the area and investigate the incident. Our commanders on the ground will be available for assistance during this investigation. The resistance continues,” the statement further said.
UNMISS peacekeepers in South Sudan have been regularly attacked by armed groups. In a incident that killed no one, a convoy of UNMISS troops were attacked in a area controlled by the South Sudan’s army, SPLA.
