By Lodu William Odiya
South Sudan government has distanced itself from alleged inflammatory remarks attributed to Lt. Gen. Johnson Olony Thabo on military operations in northern Jonglei State.
Gen Olony was recently rebuked for ordering troops to kill while on mission to SPLA-IO controlled areas.
Addressing the media during a press conference to address the incident in Jonglei state, Ateny Wek Ateny, Minister of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Service who is also the government spokesperson the government forces had stopped rebel offensive as they attempted to advance and cause havoc to the civil population in the region.
The minister underscored that the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces, mandated as a national army is to protect and defend the territorial integrity and lives and the properties of the civil population.
“The government further would like to clarify that the recent statement attributed to Lt. Gen. Johnson Olony Thabo do not represent the policy and the position of the government of the Republic of South Sudan and should be treated as such” he stated.
Wek said the ongoing security operation in northern Jonglei State is a lawful and necessary measure aimed at halting the advance of rebel forces, restoring public order and safeguarding civilians.
“The operation is not directed against innocent civilians but rather against the arms element threatening peace and stability in the country” the minister said.
Minister Wek commended the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) for their response to national duty.
Furthermore, the minister assured all residents of Akobo, Nirol and Uroor counties who fled the United Nations mission in South Sudan who missed sites for safety that conditions are all secure and they are encouraged to avoid being caught up in a crossfire.
“We also want to assure our UN partners, particularly the UNMIS in particular of full cooperation as they carry out their peace and humanitarian activities in the conflict-disturbed areas of Jonglei State” Wek stated.
However, he reiterated the government’s commitment to fully implement the revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), as the cornerstones for sustainable peace, security and stability.
“In this regard, the government calls upon SPLM, SPLA in the opposition to immediately cease hostilities and strictly adhere to both the letter and spirit of the R-ARCSS” Wek said.
He further emphasized that any action that undermines the Agreement poses a serious threat to peace and jeopardizes the ongoing transitional process and stability in the country.
“The government fully guarantees their safety and protection. The government of the Republic of South Sudan remains firmly committed to peace, dialogue and protection of all civilians” Minister Wek underlined.
He urged all parties to exercise restraint, act responsibly and prioritize national unity and stability in the supreme interest of the people of South Sudan.