SPLM/A-IO, PMPC trade accusations over ceasefire violations in Jekou

January 6, 2020 Newsbeat

Civilians flee violence following the outbreak of fighting between the SPLA-IO forces and forces loyal to Major General James Ochan Puot (Photo: Supplied)

January 6th, 2020 (SSNN)—South Sudan’s main armed opposition group, SPLM/A-IO and the Provisional Military and Political Council – have accused each other of breaching the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement in Jekou and other areas located along the Sobat River.

On Monday, the Provisional Military and Political Council – an armed group allied to South Sudan’s government, accused the SPLM/A-IO of carrying out a series of attacks on its forces in villages along the Sobat River.

“As South Sudanese are still celebrating new year, SPLM/A- IO is still continuing with its offensive on our positions in Adar/ Maiwut State. Yesterday at around 4:00 PM the SPLM/IO attacked our position at Nyoplew and Biot outposts,” said Brig. Gen. Paul Puok Kang, Spokesperson of the Provisional Military and Political Council (PMPC).

The PMPC’s military spokesperson explained that the opposition forces launched several attacks on their defensive position, but they managed to repulse the attackers and chased them in disarray, and later led to the capture of Jekou’s military bases.

“PMPC’s mighty forces commanded by operational commander Brig. Gen. Nhial Nyal Ding responded vigorously to the attack and attackers were defeated and chased them away and run in disarrayed manner inside Jekow,”

Adding that, “This provocative attack left the PMPC’s mighty force with no option but to follow them inside Jekow and then the SPLM/A -IOs were finally defeated from Jekow garrison and run towards Ethiopia villages of Banyrial, Gukniro and some crossed to the other side of Baro/Sobat river.”

SPLM-IO accuses the PMPC forces of attacking its forces in Jekou

Meanwhile, the main armed opposition party, SPLM/A-IO, led by former Vice-president Dr. Riek Machar laid the blame squarely on the pro-government forces for instigating attacks on the
SPLA-IO’s military bases in Jekou.

“Yesterday, the 5/1/2020 the Government forces in Maiwut under Maj. Gen. James Ochan Puot launched aggressive attacks against the SPLA (IO) position in Jekow, Adar State but our gallant SPLA (IO) repulsed them with significant losses,” said Puok Both Baluang, SPLM (IO) Director for Information and Public Relations.

“The SPLM/SPLA (IO) condemns in strangest terms possible the SSPDF attack on Jekow. This attack is a grave violation to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), it is also a demonstration of bad faith on the part of government. Turu cantonment site in Maiwut area is not operationalized because of continuous hostile activities of Maj. Gen. James Ochan Puot in Maiwut.”

The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (IO) called on the ceasefire monitors to investigate the incidents and hold the ceasefire violators accountable.

“We also call upon CTSAMVM and JMCC to immediately investigate this violation which poses a threat to the implementation of the peace agreement.”

“Finally, the SPLM/SPLA (IO) reiterates its full commitment to the implementation of the (R-ARCSS), in letter and spirit, as the only way to attain lasting peace in South Sudan.”