The armed opposition faction (SPLM-IO) deputy military spokesman, Col. Lam Paul Gabriel has denied reports that they are mobilizing forces in South Sudan’s Greater Jonglei State.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj Tuesday, Lam said the opposition’s chief of staff, General Simon Gatwech Dual was in Jonglei area to disseminate the peace agreement and to instruct his troops to go to the assembly areas, in accordance with the security arrangements.
"We are implementing the security arrangements and we want our forces in Jonglei to move to the assembly areas. This is the objective of the presence of our chief of staff in Jonglei and there is no mobilization of troops," he said.
Lam was reacting to last week’s report in which Jonglei State governor, Philip Aguer said they had received information that there were movements of opposition forces led by its chief of staff and General Duop Lam around the area of Makuk area.
He called on citizens of Jonglei to remain calm, renewing the armed opposition's full commitment to implement the peace agreement.
South Sudan’s rival parties last week agreed on a six-month extension to implement next steps in the revitalized peace agreement.
The latest extension came after the main opposition group threatened to boycott the formation of a unity government on May 12.