SPLA-IO denies involvement in Jonglei inter-communal conflict

June 2, 2020 News, Newsbeat, South Sudan

Sudan People Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) deputy spokesperson Col. Lam Paul Gabriel speaks to media about the progress and challenges facing the transitional security arrangement in Juba on October 2, 2019. (Photo credit: Getty Images)

June 2, 2020 (SSNN) – South Sudan’s main armed opposition group, the SPLM/SPLA (IO) has denied any involvement in the ongoing intercommunal conflict in the country’s Jonglei state between the Murle and the Lour-Nuer.

This afternoon, the National Democratic Movement (NDM) said in a statement that the SPLA-IO – alongside the Lou-Nuer’s White Army – was preparing to wage a counteroffensive against the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) where Murle armed youth took off to attack Lou-Nuer last month.

However, in a statement this afternoon, the SPLA-IO deputy spokesman and press secretary at the ministry of defense Col. Lam Paul Gabriel, denied the SPLA-IO involvement in any intercommunal conflict accxross the country and accused “tribal” polititicians of attacking the group.

“The SPLA-IO of recent, has been under attacks from tribal politicians projecting their tribalism towards the people’s Movement and leadership,” Lam said in the statement seen by South Sudan News Now (SSNN).

“Today the 02/06/2020, Dr. Darius Hakim of the so called NADAFA in a cry-for-recognition letter, accused the SPLA-IO of preparing to attack the Murle in Pibor,” Lam added while pointing to past “unfounded” accusations by holdout opposition groups and some government officials.

“This uselessness has become a joke to many anti peace and power hungry politicians. The SPLA-IO is a National movement that cannot be reduced to a tribal entity.

“The SPLA-IO would like to make it categorically clear to those tribal minded individuals that; this cheap tribal inferiority complex you have will not derail the SPLA-IO from implementing the reforms needed in this country.”