Army urges peace monitors to investigate ‘blatant violations’ by rebels

JUBA – South Sudan army is calling on the body monitoring South Sudan’s ceasefire (CTSAMVM) to investigate Thursday incidents involving the NAS rebel group, a signatory to the Rome agreement which includes the killing of three SSPDF’s soldiers along Juba-Yei road.

On 10 June, the suspected National Salvation Front (NAS), a South Sudanese militant group lead by Thomas Cirillo attacked SSPDF based in Loka along Juba-Yei road, killing three soldiers.

“The SSPDF reiterates its commitment to Cessation of Hostilities of Agreement and call upon CTSAMVM to investigate and hold NAS accountable,” the SSPDF Spokesman, Major General Lul Ruai Koang said in a press statement extended to Sudans Post this afternoon.

Gen. Lul disclosed that the attack resulted in unnecessary loss of lives and seized of weapons.

“In May and June 2021, NAS rebels scaled up offensive operation against own forces and civilian targets in different parts of Central Equatoria State including a surprise attack on Loka in Juba-Yei in early hours of June,” Ruai said.

“There are multiple engagements, they attack our position and on the road. In the road ambush four rebels were killed and around three soldiers, the number is fluctuating. We have not yet received full details,” said Koang.

“This highest echelon of the SSPDF would like to inform its ranks and file, people of South, region and international community of continuous and blatant violations of Roma Agreement by NAS rebels,” he added.

He accused the NAS of being responsible for the deterioration of security and immense suffering of innocent people in Central Equatoria State.