South Sudan rebels on Friday accused the SPLA army of violating the ceasefire deal by attacking their positions in Bieh state.
“The government forces left their position in Yuai and attacked our base in Payai but they were repulsed yesterday. This aggression continued this morning at around 7:00 am as they launched another attack on our position in paditet Payam,” said rebel deputy spokesman Paul Lam Gabriel in a statement today.
Lul Ruai Koang, SPLA's military spokesperson, denied reports of fighting with rebel fighters in Payai and Paditet. “I have not received any report officially about the fighting,” Ruai said.
The military officer blamed the rebels of violating the cessation of hostilities agreement signed in Addis Ababa. “It is a big problem because rebels do not respect the ceasefire agreement, “he said.
The ceasefire agreement aimed at ending a brutal civil war came into effect on Saturday evening.
South Sudan President Salva Kiir and rebel leader Riek Machar ordered their forces to cease hostilities to comply with the ceasefire agreement.