SSPDF, SPLA-IO trade accusations after clashes in Western Bahr el Ghazal

JUBA – The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army – in Opposition (SPLA-IO) traded accusations on Thursday after clashes erupted in Western Bahr el Ghazal state during an operation to dismantle illegal checkpoints.

Col. Lam Paul Gabriel, SPLA-IO spokesperson, accused the SSPDF of launching attacks on SPLA-IO positions on Wednesday morning in Ngolanva, Rafili, and Tirga.

“The SSPDF force in Boo bridge this morning [Wednesday] at about 6:00AM launched another heavy attacks against the SPLA-IO areas of Ngolanva, Rafili and Tirga in Western Bar El Gazal State causing massive displacement of civilians,” he said.

Col. Lam alleged that the attacks followed random shelling on Tuesday evening by the SSPDF. He accused the SSPDF of pursuing a hidden agenda under the guise of removing checkpoints.

“This is a full-scale war campaign by the SSPDF in the name of closing checkpoints; Something that could have been handled peacefully and administratively,” he noted. “It should also be noted that the SPLA-IO has time and again called upon the JDB and the CTSAMVM for an urgent intervention but to no vail. This is a clear sign of hidden plans to derail the agreement.”

The SPLA-IO called upon the Joint Defence Board (JDB) and the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism (CTSAMVM) to urgently intervene.

“Otherwise, the SPLA-IO forces have got full right to defend themselves,” Col. Lam added.

However, SSPDF spokesperson Maj-Gen Lul Ruai denied attacking SPLA-IO positions, stating that the clashes occurred when SPLA-IO forces resisted the removal of illegal checkpoints.

“It wasn’t an attack on their position. You know, we were continuing with the dismantling of illegal road checkpoints along the road, all the way from Nagero up to Wau,” said Maj-Gen Ruai. “Along that road they erected illegal checkpoints that each time we wanted to dismantle it, that’s when the resistance fired at us. So, it is the resistance that has started ago that is continuing.”

Maj-Gen Ruai noted that the joint forces had successfully dismantled four checkpoints manned by the SPLA-IO. He questioned why the SPLA-IO resisted the removal of checkpoints, which he said was mandated by a resolution of the eighth Governor’s Forum.

“So, we are implementing a resolution that was spearheaded and induced by the chairman and commander-in-chief of SPLM-IO. So, it is a mind-boggling development that the same person that spearheaded the process, his forces, the forces under his command, are resisting,” he said.

Maj-Gen Ruai stated that two SSPDF servicemen sustained gunshot wounds to their legs. He acknowledged that he did not have information on SPLA-IO casualties.

Dismissing allegations of a hidden agenda, Maj-Gen Ruai said, “It is untrue, why are we not attacking SPLA-IO positions in other areas? Alright, let them not use terminologies that are inciting forces to fight.”

“It is about removal of roadblocks. We have no problem with SPLA-IO forces that are in their control areas. We have not been attacking any. So, you can tell that these are pure exaggerations,” he added.

Maj-Gen Ruai clarified that the removal of checkpoints was an order from the presidency, including the Chairman and Commander-in-Chief of the SPLA-IO.

“So, if SPLA-IO forces are undermining the Presidency, we have the mandate to enforce the Presidential orders,” he concluded.