The commander of the South Sudan National Liberation Movement was wounded in clashes with government forces yesterday outside Yambio town.

Commander Victor Mwanga was shot in the side but survived and is recovering, a source in the SSNLM said. Two SSNLM fighters were killed in the incident, the source said.

The source alleged that government forces crossed the bridge at Uze at the southern edge of Yambio town and attacked multiple sites within SSNLM controlled Gangura area. The source accused the government of burning structures and stealing goods.

The SSNLM did not fight back as they have been in peace talks with the government, the source said. The source further accused the government forces of arbitrarily arresting youth.

Governor Patrick Raphael Zamoi said seven people were killed in the clashes yesterday, including a commissioner in his office. The fighting also displaced thousands of civilians.

The SSNLM is one of several armed groups operating in the Yambio area. Led by ex-SPLA officers from different counties of Western Equatoria, the SSNLM signed a preliminary peace deal with the government in November and had acted as an intermediary between authorities and other armed groups in the area.

Photo: Western Equatoria State

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