The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army opposition faction led by Riek Machar launched on Monday evening and Tuesday morning attacks on the capital of Unity State, after two days of clashes in oil-producing areas near the town.
Salva Kiir’s troops and allied forces have controlled Bentiu for the last three months, ever since recapturing it from a defected army division in early January.
In a statement to Radio Tamazuj, Yohannes Musa Pouk, the spokesman for the SPLM/A-IO, claimed Bentiu was captured from the Kiir forces on Monday night.
“During the last three days our forces came under attack by the forces of Salva Kiir supported by the Justice and Equality Movement in the areas of our control at Barar north of Bentiu town and in southern Unity State, Leer County, at Fadak,” reads the statement.
“This caused our forces to respond to these repeated attacks, and during clashes that took place Monday evening, 14 April 2014, our forces took complete control of Bentiu after clashes lasting for two hours.”
The spokesman added that their forces also took control of Leer town and overran a number of other camps and checkpoints that the enemy had set up to show their presence in the region.
The SPLM/A-IO spokesman added, “We demand the head of the regime in Juba, Salva Kiir, obey the voice of peace and commitment to the agreements that were signed by the two parties in the January 23, 2014 relating to cessation of hostilities and the release of political prisoners.”
Another spokesman for the rebel group, however, said fighting was still ongoing in Bentiu. James Gatdet, the spokesman of Riek Macahar, told Sudan Tribune: “The leadership on the ground has confirmed that heavy fighting resumed this morning inside Bentiu town. Our gallant forces managed to push back and pursued the attacking government troops and their foreign allies into the heart of the city.”
South Sudan’s national army spokesman has yet to explain the army’s current position. But he is quoted by Sudan Tribune as saying their forces are still in control.
According to the United Nations, the population of the protected camp site at their base in Bentiu has swelled to at least 9,000, compared to 7,800 just days ago. The UN has also sent peacekeepers to the hospital where hundreds of people are seeking shelter.
The SPLM/A-IO says in spite of the latest fighting the movement is still willing to negotiate. Spokesman Yohannes Musa reaffirmed their commitment to seek a peaceful solution and pointed to the powers given to their delegation in Addis Ababa under Taban Deng Gai to negotiate a political solution.