The SPLM-IO faction allied to former South Sudan’s former vice president Riek Machar has accused peace guarantors of adopting double standards on the ongoing violence in the country, saying the international community remained silent on Juba fighting instigated by Kiir government in July.

The armed group was reacting to a joint statement issued by the IGAD, Troika, and EU partners of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) on Wednesday condemning calls by armed opposition groups for a renewal of armed conflict in South Sudan, saying fighting will not solve South Sudan’s pressing political and economic challenges.

Pouk Both Baluang, SPLM-IO Director of Information in Kenya, told Radio Tamazuj yesterday that the peace guarantors are adopting double standards on the ongoing political unrest in South Sudan.

He pointed out that the international community was supposed to condemn the government in Juba for instigating fighting in July, and not the SPLM-IO faction led by Riek Machar.

“There are double standards, they are condemning the two sides although it clear that the government is responsible for everything,” said Baluang.

Baluang noted that the SPLM-IO faction seeks to meet world leaders to explain its position on what is happening in the country, while calling on the international community to deal credibly with South Sudan conflict.

South Sudan exiled opposition leader Riek Machar recently dispatched a team to the United States to lobby for diplomatic acceptance and also to drum up support from diaspora.

Related coverage: 

East African countries condemn SPLM-IO war call – but will they help contain rebellion?