Field commanders of the SPLM/A-IO in South Sudan’s Wau State have denied claims that they are preparing to join the government.

In a public rally in Wau town last week, Wau Governor Elias Waya said an armed group of 26 individuals expressed their willingness to surrender to the state government. But the SPLA-IO field commander in Bisselia payam, Peter Joseph, denied claims that they plan to surrender to the state government.

In an interview with Radio Tamazuj, Joseph reiterated their commitment to respect directives from their top leadership to remain in their positions. However, he said they have the right to fight back in case of any attack.

Separately, Joseph accused cattle herders from neighbouring states of destroying agricultural fields in the area. The opposition fighter claimed that government forces using three Land Cruiser vehicles were also escorting those herders

“When the locals asked the cattle herders about their early migration into the area before the right time comes, they responded that it was a decision from the president,” he said.

Radio Tamazuj could not reach officials in Wau to comment on Joseph’s claims.