Machar’s group fires back at SSPDF over claims of recruitment in Upper Nile

JUBA – South Sudan’s main armed opposition group, SPLA-IO, led by First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny has refuted a claim by South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) this evening that it has started to mobilize for war in some parts of Upper Nile state.

In a statement this evening, SSPDF spokesman Major-General Lul Ruai Koang said that they have gathered information that the main armed opposition group is mobilizing tribal youth to attack several areas which was captured from the SPLA-IO during fighting last month.

“It’s with great concern that SSPDF GHOs would like to inform the people of South Sudan, region and international community about ongoing massive mobilization of rebel forces and armed civilians by our peace partner, SPLM/SPLA-IO in Nasir, Maiwut and Longechuk Counties in Upper Nile State,” the SSPDF statement said.

The statement said that “Concerted mobilization efforts are being led by Lt. Gen. Peter Thuok Chuol, Maj. Gen. Thuok Chuol Leiy, Brig. Gen. Hok-Dor Chuol and Commissioners of Nasir and Longechuk Counties.”

But in a counter statement, SPLA-IO spokesman Col. Lam Paul Gabriel, denied the allegations of recruitment and said the claim was meant by the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces to justify a pending offensive.

“The SPLA-IO read with dismay the accusation made by the SSPDF Spokesperson on 1/05/2022; that the SPLA-IO is mobilizing rebels and armed youth in Nasir, Longechuk and Maiwut. This is a cooked statement aimed at justifying the SSPDF imminent offensive against the SPLA-IO positions in and around those areas mentioned,” Col. Lam said.

The South Sudan main armed opposition group spokesman also lamented the referral of his group as a rebel movement, something he said tantamount to violation of the revitalized peace agreement and a signaling of lack of will from the SSPDF for the implementation of the agreement.

“Secondly, referring to the SPLA-IO as rebel is not only a violation but also a clear lack of political will and a deep rooted hatred against the SPLA-IO by the our peace partner the SSPDF. This alone is a justified intention of the SSPDF to attack the SPLA-IO positions in the aforementioned areas,” the statement said.

While calling for peace monitoring bodies to investigate the claims, the South Sudan main armed opposition officer further reiterated his group’s commitment to the implementation of the security arrangements provided for in the revitalized peace deal.

“The SPLA-IO calls upon the CTSAMVM and the JDB to investigate this negative propaganda against the SPLA-IO,” he said.

“The SPLA-IO remains committed to the Implementation of the Transitional Security Arrangement but reserves the right to self-defence when aggressed,” he added.