RUMBEK — Lake State Chairman of Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in Opposition (SPLM-IO) and Deputy Governor Dr. Isaiah Akol Mathiang have denounced the targeted aerial bombardment of residents in Nasir, Upper Nile State, and “unlawful detention” of members.
In an interview with Sudan Post on Monday, Dr. Akol characterized the action as “human rights violations” and “breaches of agreements” committed by the government in Upper Nile and Jonglei States.
“Furthermore, we condemn in the strongest possible terms the aerial bombardment of civilians in Nasir, Ulang, and Longechuk counties of Upper Nile State and Akobo County of Jonglei State by the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) and the explosion of chemical weapons,” said Akol.
According to him, these attacks are a flagrant disrespect for human life and a serious breach of international law.
He denounced the recent removal of Upper Nile State Governor James Odhok Oyay and his replacement by SSPDF commander Lt. Gen. James Koang Chuol as a breach of the 2018 peace agreement.
“The SPLM-IO condemns the arbitrary and unlawful detention of senior SPLM/A-IO government officials and officers in Juba and the obstruction of travel for other members, both within and outside of South Sudan,” he said.
He accused the government of not protecting the population, which led them to organize a white army in order to safeguard themselves and their resources.
“In the absence of state protection, civilians throughout South Sudan have been compelled to arm themselves for self-defense. It is crucial to distinguish these armed youth from government-backed proxy militias, such as Gelweng, Tit-Beny, Mathiang Anyor, Tit-Bai, Abushok, Ter-Chuong, and Agwelek, which receive military training and arms from the government.”
According to him, the Nuer armed young are regular citizens who function autonomously and lack official military structure or training.
“The intervention of the UPDF in South Sudan is a clear violation of the 2017 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA), the 2018 Revitalized Agreement (R-ARCSS), and the UN Security Council Arms Embargo. We call for the immediate withdrawal of all UPDF forces from the country.”
SPLM/A-IO in Lakes State demanded that all detained SPLM/A-IO government officials and officers be released immediately, he said.
