By Lodu William Odiya
Despite calls to end hostilities, the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) and South Sudan People’s Defense Forces clashed again in Western Equatoria.
This is not the first time, however; according to reports, on-the-ground hostilities deepened among these forces.
Speaking to this outlet, Col. Garang Ateny, the SSPDF acting spokesperson, confirmed the fresh clashes in the area and pointed fingers at the SPLA-IO for having started the fight.
He, however, claimed that government positions in Western Equatoria continue to experience numerous attacks from opposition forces.
During the clashes on Thursday, Ateny claimed that their government forces captured SPLA-IO soldiers.
“We managed to capture 10 of them alive; we do not manage to account for the numbers of the casualties,” he said.
Ateny called upon peace monitors to look into the issues with the SPLA-IO, questioning, “Why are they still attacking the SSPDF base while they are implementing the revitalized peace agreement?”
“We are calling them to mind their cantonment areas so that they organize, train, and are integrated into the SSPDF,” he said.
“We are calling peace monitors to see the leadership of the SPLA-IO and talk to them so that they should stop the attacks on the SSPDF,” Ateny added.
However, in a separate statement released, SPLA-IO spokesperson Col. Lam Paul Gabriel said they successfully launched a sustained attack against the SSPDF base in Nadiama Payam, Tombura, Western Equatoria State.
Lam said that during the clashes the SPLA-IO captured some weapons, such as the AK-47 (13), PKM (2), and RPG-7 (1).
He claimed that nine (9) members of the SSPDF, including a commander, were killed in action, while the SPLA-IO lost one soldier.
However, this was refuted by Col. Ateny of the SSPDF, who claimed victory over all the attacks on their barracks.
Meanwhile, the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA) also voiced concern over the ongoing armed confrontation in Tambura, emphasizing inclusive inter-party dialogue between the SSPDF and the SPLA-IO.
“We strongly called for inclusive inter-party dialogue as the only sustainable path toward peace and stability. Armed conflict is not a solution. There is no place for military confrontation in any modern, civilized society,” the statement read.
It further urged all parties to fully respect and adhere to the ceasefire agreements signed in 2017.
“South Sudan cannot afford to descend into another deadly conflict while the majority of its citizens continue to suffer from hunger, displacement, and the devastating effects of flooding across the country,” the statement noted.
The statement underscored CPA’s call on South Sudanese political leaders to prioritize peace over military solutions.
“Peace benefits everyone, while war only brings destruction, suffering, and setbacks to national development,” it added.
Additionally, the statement underlined that the CPA remains committed to advocating for peaceful dialogue, accountability, and national unity. We urge all stakeholders to put the interests of the people first.
Yesterday, residents of Tambura County staged protests demanding the withdrawal of UNMISS after deadly clashes on September 4th between SSPDF and SPLM-IO rebels that left several people dead.
According to the residents on the ground, the anger grew after UNMISS confirmed one of its patrols was disarmed by rebels 15 km outside Tambura, violating the 5 km patrol limit.
Protesters accused the mission of failing to protect civilians and called for its immediate exit.
However, efforts to reach the UNMISS to comment on such claims were not successful at the press time.