Nov 11th, 2014(Nyamilepedia) — The two warring factions of SPLA have continued to accuse one another for violating the cessation of hostilities agreement, which they recommitted to on 9th November 2014, as they continue to engage in fierce battles in Northern Upper Nile, Jonglei and Unity State.
While both sides claim victories and inflicting heavy casualties on the opponents, none of the two factions claim responsibilities for launching an attack other than responding in self defense.
According to IGAD reports on violations, the two factions have violated the 23rd January COH Agreement. While the government faction has violated the COH agreement between Nov 2- Nov 4th in Malakal and Panyikang counties, the SPLM/SPLA forces have violated the COH in Rubkhona and Bentui during the latest encounters.
According to SPLA-Juba spokesman, Col. Philip Aguer, speaking on the state own television, SSTV, the rebels have attacked the government positions at Dukduk in Northern Upper Niile on Monday morning.
Aguer believes that the rebels forces are led by a defected presidential guard, Brig-Gen. Peter Lim.
The spokesman claims that the loyal forces have lost five personnel in self-defense while the rebels, who were repulsed, have incurred many casualties.
“They were defeated and they withdrew. They went back to a place called Tibol. Tibol is a base for SAF – Sudan Armed Forces – and at the border with Sennar,”
Aguer predicts that the rebels will cross the border again to attack Arga as they did in September.
“We expect other attacks as they did last time when they attacked SPLA the same route – they came from the border with Sudan and they started their attack with Duk Duk and then later on they went to Arga, where they were finally defeated and they were followed up to the borders.” Aguer claims.
Contrarily, however, the two villages, Duk Duk and Arga, according to SPLA-IO forces have been controlled by the rebels since September.
According to Brig, Gen. Lul Ruai Koang of SPLA-IO faction, the government forces violated the Cease fire agreement and launched coordinated attacks on their position at Duk Duk and Gerbenna.
“This is to inform the people of South Sudan, IGAD Special Envoys, region and the international community government forces have just launched coordinated attacks on our forces in Unity and Upper Nile States in direct violation of Re-dedication of and Implementation of Modalities for the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement.” Lul said.
“At dawn, Kiir’s forces attacked Dukduk and Gerbenna north and northeast of Renk County in northern Upper Nile State whereas Phome El Zaref, the Administrative HQs of Fangak County in northern Jonglei State is currently under heavy shelling from Tonga, on western bank of the White Nile River.” The Brig General continued.
Col. Philip Aguer further reports that their position was attacked at Tor of Pariang County, Unity state on Sunday evening, a report that contradict the rebels’ earlier version.
According to Gen. Taban Deng Gai, the Chief Negotiator for SPLM/SPLA-IO, the government attacked their positions at Tor Horfa on November 8th, 2014.
Brig. Lul also responded on the classes in Unity State, however, the Military Spokesman for the rebels,blames that rebels for attacking their position.
“Clashes are ongoing in Pareng County, Unity State. The government is entirely responsible for these unnecessary attacks motivated by its desires and attempts to recapture Oil Fields under our control before a Permanent Cessation Agreement could be signed.” Lul claimed.
Although latest reports of renewed fighting in Bentiu, Rhubkona, Pariang and Unity State’s oil fields remain inconclusive, Pariang County has been held mostly by the government forces during the past 10 months.
Although the regional bloc, IGAD, is yet to comment on the latest violations of Peace Fire Agreement, the region threatens that it will intervene, in whole or in part, to protect life and restore and stability, a claim that was used by the neighboring Uganda to intervene in the internal conflict of South Sudan.
“The IGAD region shall, without further reference to the warring parties, take the necessary measures to directly intervene in South Sudan to protect life and restore peace and stability,” Seyoum said.
“Should it be necessary to implement these measures, the IGAD region calls on the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union, the Security Council of the United Nations, and the entire international community, to render all possible assistance in the implementation of these measures” Seyoum.
