Aug 18, 2021 — South Sudan United Front/Army(SSUF/A) has denied involvement in the recent attacks on Nimule-Juba highway that killed nuns and civilians which has sparked anger among the South Sudanese and faith-based community.
Responding to the reports that include press statements from President Kiir and head of Vatican, Pope Francis, condemning the attacks on Nimule-Juba Highway, the military spokesman of SSUF/A came forward to clarify their stance as one of the signatories of the Rome-based peace negotiation.
“The office of South Sudan United Front/Army(SSUF/A) military spokesman wish to precisely make it clear to the general public that the news circulating around the media concerning the Juba- Nimule highway attack on innocent civilians that claimed the lives of two Catholic Nuns and other three innocent civilians is not related to us by any standard.” said Colonel Akol Akol Pel, the Military spokesperson South Sudan United Front /Army(SSUF/A),
According to Colonel Akol, their party remains committed to Rome Declaration of Principles and Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, adding that they would have violated the COH when their forces were attacked by the SSPDF in Mayom, Unity State.
“Therefore, I urge the public with humility and respect that South Sudan United Front/Army under Chairman and commander-in-chief General Paul Malong Awan ultimately remain committed to Rome declaration of principles and cessation of hostilities agreement we singed together with the revitalized transitional government of national unity(R-TGONU) and if we were to attack we would have done so when our forces were attacked by the regime military(SSPDF) in Mayom county of Unity State last month.” Col. Akol said.
The SSUF/A spokesman claims that the government forces attacked their positions in Rongo and Munzo payams of Ezo County of Western Equatoria and also in Sopo Payam of Raja but their forces did not even retaliate.
“Equally so, government forces also attacked our positions in Rongo and Munzo payams of Ezo county Western Equtoria state and Sopo Payam of Raja county western Bahr El Ghazal State and no retaliatory steps taken by our forces because they were instructed by the leadership to stay aloof from anything to do with peace endangering.” Akol said.
On behalf of SSUF/A, Akol condemns the attack on Nimule-Juba highway and sendS condolences to the family of victims
“Finally, we condemn the sub-sequential unwanted attacks on South Sudanese peoples along Juba- Nimule highway and to the Catholic Diocese of Juba in particular and that of religious personalities.” Col. Akol Akol said.
“On behalf of South Sudan United front political and military leadership, and on my own behalf, I entreat the intelligence of my countrymen and women to convey our condolences to the people of South Sudan, Catholic church, families and Christians across the globe in generality to accept South Sudan United Front’s deep feeling for the lost of two sisters Mary Abud and Regina Roba plus many other citizens of our beloved nation unmentioned here. May the most high rest their souls in an eternal everlasting peace.” He continued.
Despite the hurdles, Akol said SSUF/A remains committed to Rome mediated peace talks for the benefit of South Sudanese.
