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UPPER NILE - 17 Jan 2017

Lam Akol’s faction denies defection of its forces to SPLA-IO in Upper Nile

The National Democratic Movement (NDM) faction led by opposition leader Lam Akol has denied reports that about 800 fighters from its group joined the SPLA-IO faction led by former first vice president and rebel leader Riek Machar.

Emmanuel Aban, Spokesman for the NDM faction, told Radio Tamazuj yesterday that their forces didn’t join Riek Machar’s faction in Upper Nile. “Of course this is untrue. These are rumours being circulated by forces of Riek Machar, our forces did not surrender,” said Emmanuel.  

However, Emmanuel admitted that a number of NDM soldiers were captured during clashes with the SPLA-IO fighters in Upper Nile.

 Aban accused Gen. Johnson Olony of holding secret talks with the Juba government, claiming that a delegation representing Agwelek forces will soon travel to the capital Juba.

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