![An SSPDF tank seen in Central Equatoria state [Photo by AFP]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/ghy4ol8rgxlowvajnlrc.jpg?ssl=1)
On Sunday, Chol Duang, the secretary of information and spokesman of the South Sudan United Front said in a statement extended to Sudans Post that government forces had attacked on of their positions in Western Equatoria state in which the government forces were defeated before two of their tanks were destroyed by the Malong-led rebel group.
The statement by the opposition forces said their forces had tactically withdrawn from “Rongo but could return fire in self-defence in case of further provocation from the regime army.”
However, in a statement on Monday, the minister of information of South Sudan’s Western Equatoria state William Adriano Baiki denied the claims and said there is no any area with such a name in Western Equatoria state and described the statement by Duang as something meant to deceive the general public.
“On behalf of the Government of Western Equatoria State, I would like to disclaim this statement of Chol Duang the Spoke person of SSUF. In fact, in the geographical area of Western Equatoria State, we do not have such location/village called Rongo unless his press a statement was purely meant to deceive the people of South Sudan,” Baiki said in the statement seen by Sudans Post.
The senior state government official further said – based on updates from security organs in the state – no attacks have occurred in Western Equatoria state since June except for clashes between government and ex-opposition commander in the area.
“Lastly, Cde Chol Duang should come out clear and tell the people of Western Equatoria that SSUF collaborated with pro-Nando forces in the conflict which erupted in Tombura from 18 June -22 June,” he said.
