PMPC accuses SPLA-IO forces of carrying out attacks on civilian population near Maiwut
Civilians flee violence after fighting erupted between the SPLA-IO troops and forces loyal to Major General James Ochan Puot (Photo: Supplied)
Dec 8th, 2019 (SSNN)-The Provisional Military and Political Council (PMPC), a breakaway faction headed by Major General James Ochan Puot – has accused South Sudan’s main armed opposition forces, SPLA-(IO) forces of carrying out a series of attacks on the civilian population who were cultivating their farms along the Sobat River.
In a statement extended to SSNN, the Deputy Spokesperson of the Provisional Military and Political Council, Buom Gatdet Gach said that the SPLA-IO forces launched several attacks on farmers, killing an unspecified number of civilians, wounding dozens and burning thatched houses into ashes.
“On Dec 6, 2019 SPLA IO forces from Jekow carried out several attacks on innocent civilians in Nyonggo, Nyoplew, Gogjaak and Wech-Gatluak Rik- headquarters of Jotome County. The heavy fighting erupted while farmers where at their fields, a number of civilians were killed and houses burnt to ashes from those areas,” said Buom.
“On an annual basis, civilians [Chie-waw community] move to riverside for seasonal cultivation, and also as a means of obtaining water during the dry season. They also graze their cattle in order to support and maintain sustainable livelihoods; So the SPLA-IO’s insurgency intended to interrupt and threaten innocent civilians who were busy farming and grazing their cattle at the riverside,” he added.
The group claims that it managed to recapture those areas from the SPLA IO forces.
“The mentioned areas fall under the leadership of the Provisional Military and Political Council led by Maj. Gen. James Ochan Puot under the Government of South Sudan led by H.E Salva Kiir Mayardit President of the Republic; therefore PMPC leadership condemned the killing of innocent civilians, and would like to bring this attention into the International Community, particularly IGAD, AU and other peace partners assuring the SPLA IO has clearly violated the ongoing Revitalized Peace Agreement and constituted a crime against humanity.”
The splinter group, PMPC, called on the SPLA-IO forces to refrain from attacking civilians in those areas.
“We call on the SPLA-IO to stop killing and burning houses or else this will lead to revenge where our innocent civilians will face insecurity and instability in the areas, and yet that’s not our objective.”
The group urged the Gajaak community to stay united and not to allow divisions and disunity amongst themselves.
“Finally, the leadership of the PMPC calls upon the Gajaak community to demonstrate peaceful coexistence, unity and harmony among themselves, although Dr. Riek Machar opposes these peace initiatives because of his mythical thinking of becoming a leader.”
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