Renk river will not be opened unless the security arrangements agreed to in the August peace deal are implemented, according to a top opposition official in Upper Nile State.

“The issue of 28 states is the obstacle and is a violation to the peace agreement, which was signed based on 10 states,” said Kodok County Commissioner Robert Gwang.

Gwang said the opening of the river route is under the security arrangement which is stipulated in the peace agreement. His statements came after South Sudan's Transitional Government of National Unity requested that Shilluk commander Johnson Olony open the Renk river passage. 

The opposition leader also denounced the closure of the route between Wau Shilluk and the UN protection of civilians site in Malakal by government forces and the pursuit of government soldiers to the displaced people.

Gwang's remarks come after the cabinet in Juba called for opening of the river trade. Minister of Information Michael Makuei speaking to press last Friday said, “Last week or the week before it was also discussed and the leadership of the SPLM/A-IO promised to direct Commander Olony to open the route. So up to now it is not yet confirmed. But the route will be opened soon so that the food can flow from Renk to this direction instead of people waiting for the unknown.” 

Related: 

Opposition says JMCC responsible for opening Renk river (13 Jun)