Oct 4, 2014(Nyamilepedia) — According to Dr. Dhieu Mathok Diing Wol, the Chairman of External Relations Committee for the SPLA/SPLM [in Opposition], the Movement has learned that some media houses report that the Opposition commences and applaud the Ugandan mercenaries, UPDF, which has been fighting alongside Salva Kiir forces in South Sudan.
Dr. Dhieu clarifies that such reports are not true. He urges the South Sudanese, Ugandans and the region to note that Uganda is a major player in South Sudan conflict, and therefore, it has to be constructively persuaded to withdraw its forces from South Sudan and to engage in peace process.
“Uganda is a key factor in the South Sudan conflict and this necessitates its engagement in peaceful and constructive manner to withdraw its forces from the Republic of South Sudan”.
Dr. Dhieu reiterates that the SPLM/SPLA has maintained its preconditions on the withdrawal of UPDF from the Republic of South Sudan as agreed in Cessation of Hostilities Agreements, signed on January 23rd 2014.
“The SPLM/SPLA maintains its position on the immediate withdrawal of the UPDF from the Republic of South Sudan upon deployment of UNMISS peacekeeping forces.” Dhieu states in a report extended to Nyamilepedia.
“The SPLM/SPLA believes that the immediate withdrawal of UPDF from the Republic of South Sudan shall allow implementation of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreements signed between the SPLM/SPLA and the Government of the Republic of South Sudan on 23rd January 2014.” Dr. Dhieu said.
The Opposition believes that the present of UPDF in South Sudan while fighting alongside Salva Kiir’s forces impedes Peaceful Resolutions and fuels the conflict.
Dr. Dhieu further reiterates that the statement of the SPLA/SPLM’s Representative to Uganda Cde David Otim was quoted out of its context.
Ugandan forces joined South Sudan civil war at its earnest in December 2013. Although the two governments pledge to have signed a military cooperation as earlier as in January 2013, no official document has verified the claim.
Majority of South Sudan armed forces, SPLA, defected to the opposition led by Dr. Riek Machar, the former vice president, following an alleged coup that was instigated by power struggle within the SPLM party.
The ten month old conflict has displaced over 1.3 millions population and tens of thousands are reportedly killed in the conflict.
The regional led peace process, currently negotiated in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, has slowly progressed in the sixth round, however, latest reports confirmed that the talks have been adjourned to mid October after the parties failed to reach an agreement on power sharing.
