Key players in the South Sudanese war traded accusations over violations of the unilateral ceasefire declared by President Kiir last week.

South Sudan's rebels loyal to former First Vice President Riek Machar have government troops of launching an attack on their position in Poki area near Kaya border in Yei River State on Thursday in violation of the unilateral ceasefire declared by Kiir.

SPLA-IO deputy military spokesman Paul Lam Gabriel said in a statement that they killed more than 10 pro-government militias during clashes. Gabriel further said their troops would act in self-defence if the offensive continues.

The government has also accused Machar of failing to properly order his troops to stop fighting. “The rebels have deliberately ambushed a logistic truck between Kaj-keji and Jalle, killing three soldiers and wounding two others. This is a clear violation by rebels after the unilateral ceasefire,” said SPLA spokesman Santo Domic.

Domic further said their troops would remain committed to the ceasefire for the sake of peace despite the reported attacks, adding that they would act in self-defence.