The SPLA-IO has strongly condemned what it described as an act of aggression by the SSPDF against its defensive position in Motot Payam in Jonglei State’s Uror County.
According to the statement released on Thursday by SPLA-IO spokesperson Col. Lam Paul Gabriel, the attack occurred on Wednesday night at approximately 10:30 p.m. local time.
“Last (Wednesday) night, the SSPDF under the command of Maj. Gen. Michael Wal Nyak in Waat attacked the SPLA-IO defensive position in Motot Payam,” he reported.
Col. Gabriel noted that SPLA-IO forces successfully repulsed the aggressors and managed to capture one soldier identified as Pvt. Nyuon Guot Tap alive.
“The SPLA-IO command strongly condemns this act of aggression by its peace partner, the SSPDF,” he said. “We call upon the Joint Defense Board (JDB) and the Ceasefire Transitional Security Arrangement Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) to investigate this violation and bring the perpetrators to account.”
Emphasizing their commitment to the peaceful implementation of the Transitional Security Arrangements, Col. Gabriel underscored the SPLA-IO’s stance on self-defense.
“The SPLA-IO remains committed to the peaceful implementation of the Transitional Security Arrangement in letter and spirit but reserves the right to self-defense when aggressed,” he stated.
For his part, Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, the Spokesman of the SSPDF, said he was not aware of the incident and would get back after making consultations with the authorities on the ground.