MAIWUT – Residents of South Sudan’s Maiwut state have reported an “alarming” build-up of government forces near a rebel position in the Upper Nile state area.
Last week, South Sudan government forces and allied militia group led by Gen. Ochan Puot attacked SPLA-IO base in Jekow displacing and killing a number of civilians.
The SPLA-IO led by first vice president designate Dr. Riek Machar accused the government of acting to violate the revitalized peace agreement they signed in September 2018.
In an interview with this website, many residents said they were alarmed by government troops build-up in an area west of Jekow in what they believe may be a preparation to yet again attack the opposition base there.
“Government forces have been arriving from Maiwut town since last week which is alarming. They are stationed in an area near Jekow where SPLA-IO is based,” one resident said on condition of anonymity.
Another person said the government appear to be “preparing an attack. We are tired of war.”