The spokesman of South Sudanese SPLA-IO faction leader Riek Machar has denied that Machar ordered forces in Unity State to attack Bentiu town in spite of reports that SPLA-IO troops entered Bentiu town on Wednesday.
Spokesman James Gatdet Dak noted that the rebel movement held a leadership conference in Nairobi last week, where the group’s leadership resolved to remain committed to the peace process.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday, he said that the SPLA-IO ‘military governor’ of Unity State Peter Gadet was not ordered by Riek Machar to attack Bentiu, and claimed that the general was still under orders not to start any fighting.
“He was not ordered to attack Bentiu,” he claimed. “They have been under orders not to attack any town including Bentiu.”
Moreover, he said the SPLA-IO leader Riek Machar “has always been issuing instructions to our forces on the ground not to initiate any fighting… So the instructions have been on, there was no time when he lifted it.”
Dak acknowledged, however, that SPLA-IO forces pursued SPLA-Juba forces into Bentiu, allegedly after being provoked by artillery attacks. “They still have the right to self-defense if they come under attack,” said Dak.
Asked about the outcomes of the recent SPLA-IO leadership conference in Nairobi, Dak said, “It was a significant conference and passed a number of resolutions, first recommitting the movement to the peace process, and also appreciating the Arusha initiative which intends to bring together the SPLM factions.”
He denied plans to resume military offensives: “There was no resolution to go back to war. All the resolutions were promoting the ongoing peace process mediated by IGAD.”
He further disclosed that SPLM-IO faction leader Riek Machar has just traveled from Nairobi to Addis Ababa where he said he is ready to resume peace negotiations.
Related:
Fighting inside Bentiu town (29 Oct.)