South Sudan's Presidential Press Secretary Ateny Wek has denied the existence of a rebellion in Western Equatoria State, but opposition sources claim the army is violating the ceasefire by carrying out attacks in the state and making plans for more violence.

Insecurity in Mundri and Maridi Counties has forced thousands families to leave their homes, and state officials have admitted that militias sometimes called 'Arrow Boys' are recruiting youths in the state.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, Ateny said the insecurity situation in Western Equatoria has nothing to do with politics, admitting only that there are criminals and bandits who kill innocent civilians and members of the army, claiming the government is seeking to provide security in those areas.

On Friday, the main South Sudanese armed opposition group (SPLA-IO) accused government forces of attacking their forces in Western Equatoria state despite the ceasefire deal and preparations for the full implementation of the peace agreement.

The SPLM-IO leader’s spokesman James Gatdet Dak said in a statement seen by Radio Tamazuj that the government forces carried out the attack on their forces in Mundri town at 6 p.m. on Friday. The rebel group has claimed the allegiance of local armed groups in the area, though this is unconfirmed from the side of the forces on the ground. 

Related:

Understanding new violence in South Sudan's Western Equatoria (10 Oct.)