August 15th, 2014 (Bentiu) — In the fighting, in which the Unity State Capital was recaptured from the Government forces by the Sudan People Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) on Friday, the Commissioner of Mayiendit County of Unity State, Captain Ruai Gai and Brigadier General Makuar Tuor were shot dead in the heavy fighting.
Ruai Gai was the newly handpicked Commissioner of Mayiendit County of Unity State. Juba dispatched many new faces as commissioners to counties in Greater Upper Nile after the allied forces recaptured the main towns from the opposition in April. Late Capt. Ruai and other newly appointed officials were stationed in Bentiu town for their safety as the government only controls the headquarters in most parts of Jonglei, Unity and Upper Nile state.
Brigadier Makuar was one of the SSLA rebel’s Commanders, who remained to fight alongside government forces in Unity State after their colleagues defected to the opposition in May.
According to Nyamilepedia’s correspondent, who is in UNIMISS compound, in Bentiu many officials from government forces abandoned their weapons and ran to UNMISS camps for protection. Other, who have scattered in different directions, are being pursued by the rebels.
In an interview with Brigadier General Lul Ruai Koang, Lul said the SPLA in Opposition Forces positions were attacked Friday morning around 6:00 am in Unity State in the East and South of Bentiu and as well as in Ayod County in Jonglei State.
Lul believes that the government has violated the cessation of hostilities agreement and therefore the SPLA has a constitution right to self defenses.
The retaliations have led to recapturing of the state headquarter from the government forces, which will restore peace for the stranded local population, currently sheltering in UNMISS camps. In April, the recapture of Bentiu led to attack on civilians in Bor for celebrating the victory of the anti-government forces.
Many civilians are displaced to UNMISS camps, including within the capital city, due to fear of ethnic targeting.
According to General Lul, when asked by Nyamilepedia Editorial Team, he said this is totally unacceptable development. He blamed the government of South Sudan forces for violating the cessation of hostilities agreement that was signed on January 23rd, 2014 in Addis Ababa.
