SPLA-IO urges gov’t to release detained commander
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)
July 20, 2020 (SSNN) ā South Sudan’s main armed opposition group, SPLA-IO, led by First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny has urged the South Sudan People’s Defence Force (SSPDF) to release detained SPLA-IO commander.
Over the weekend, General Gabriel Bol Wek, a senior SPLA-IO commander in Western Bahr el Ghazal state’s Jur River was arrested by government forces, reportedly without any reasons.
The SPLA-IO in return arrested former Tonj state governor Anthony Madut, and demanded the release of General Wek for Anthony to be released.
In a statement, the SPLA-IO deputy spokesman, Col. Lam Paul Gabriel confirmed the incident, and demanded the intervention of peace monitors on what he calls a violation of the revitalized peace agreement.
“On Saturday 18/07/2020, at about 11:30AM, a convoy of SSPDF disarmament force under the command of Lt. Gen. Riing Tueny met with Brig. Gabriel Bol Wek and some few soldiers of the SPLA-IO in Nyabor as they were going to Wadho Alel to prepare to receive the Governor of Western Bar El Gazal State,” Lam said in a statement extended to South Sudan News Now.
“Noticing that the SPLA-IO soldiers were armed, the SSPDF decided to disarm and arrest them including Brig. Bol Wek; even after they introduced themselves as SPLA-IO soldiers,” he added.
Col. Lam said the SPLA-IO forces in response blocked the road to between Wau and Tonj arresting some SSPDF soldiers along with the accompanying civilians resulting into confrontation between the two peace partners.
“The SPLA-IO forces on the ground in return blocked the road between Wau and Tonj and arrested some IG soldiers and civilians who were together with the soldiers at that time. This brought in tension that led to exchange of fire between the SSPDF and the SPLA-IO on the ground, in complete violation of the permanent ceasefire in particular and the R-ARCSS in general,” he said.
While reiterating the SPLA-IO’s commitment to the revitalized peace agreement and acknowledging the right of the SSPDF to disarm civilians in areas under its control, Lam said the SSPDF do not have the right to disarm civilians in the SPLA-IO controlled areas.
He further urging for the intervention of peace monitors and the release of the senior SPLA-IO official.
“The SPLA-IO respects the decision of the SSPDF to disarm civilians in their areas of control but not the SPLA-IO forces or civilians in areas controlled by the SPLA-IO. The SPLA-IO leadership asks the civilians to remain calm as this incident is a result of misunderstanding by soldiers on the ground and is being handled by the leadership of both sides in Juba,” he said.
“The SPLA-IO directs its forces on the ground to release those SSPDF soldiers and civilians arrested including their belongings. At the same time, the SPLA-IO calls upon the SSPDF command to release Brig. Bol Wek with all his soldiers and all their guns so that they go back to their base.
“Finally, the SPLA-IO calls upon RJMEC, JDB and CTSAMVM to investigate this violation and bring those responsible to book.”
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