Gatwech claims Machar’s forces behind attack on IDP camp in Panyikang County

JUBA – The breakaway SPLA-IO Kitgwang faction led by Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual has claimed that the main armed opposition SPLA-IO under First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny is behind the attack on an IDP camp in Upper Nile state in which around 17 people, all of whom are civilians, were killed on Thursday.

The attack was carried out amid intense fighting between Gen. Gatwech’s forces supported by White Army from Jonglei State’s Fangak and Ayod Counties, and Agwelek forces of Gen. Johnson Olony Thabo supported by local armed youth, according to eyewitnesses.

In a statement, Gen. Gatwech’s group dismissed assertions that it is behind the attack and instead accused First Vice President Machar’s group of standing behind the deadly attack which has motivated condemnation from local and international human rights organizations.

“On 8th Sept 2022, the SPLA-IO learned with dismay allegations released by group of people claiming to be Collo Caucus, under leadership of Dr. Riek Machar, and few media newspapers accusing the SPLA-IO Kitgwang of carrying out an attack on IDPs Camp in Adhidhyang, Panyikang County, Upper Nile State. We strongly condemn and dishonor that fake allegations against our mighty army SPLA-IO,” the statement signed by the SPLA-IO Kitgwang deputy spokesman Lt. Col. Jidiet Yak reads in part.

“The SPLM-IO-JUBA under leadership of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar are behind the attack [….] The attack was carried out by forces who had come from Diel area, which … is controlled by SPLM/A-IO forces loyal Dr Riek Machar the first vice president,” the statement added.

The statement said that “Dr Riek’s loyalist have been so aggressive towards civilians, causing insecurity in most of parts of the areas across the country, since the disownment of their boss by the SPLM/A-IO Leaders last two years in the headquarter.”

He said Machar’s forces are “conspiring with the local youth so that they remain in power. The above-mentioned groups should be investigated so that no one is left out for killing and displacing innocent people.”

“Therefore, the leadership of the SPLM/A- IO Kitgwang is fully committed to the implementation of the (R-ARCSS), in letter and spirit, as the only sure way to attain the lasting peace in our beloved country,” it asserts.