Renewed fighting broke out over the weekend between the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-In-Opposition (SPLM-IO) and the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) in Nagero County, Western Equatoria State, resulting in multiple casualties and civilian property losses.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, SPLA-IO Major General Simon Samuel Alisoromo confirmed the clashes, accusing the SSPDF of launching an unprovoked attack on their cantonment area.
“Last Tuesday, SSPDF forces came to our cantonment site and were questioned about their presence. They claimed they were following orders,” he explained. “However, over the weekend, they launched attacks on our forces. On Sunday, they returned, attacked us again, and looted civilian property in Mopoi.”
He added that 15 civilians and five SPLA-IO soldiers were killed during the clashes.
“One of our soldiers, Daniel Bazia, was arrested in Nagero and later killed with a knife,” Gen. Alisoromo stated.
He reiterated their commitment to peace, stating that the SPLA-IO forces remain in their cantonment areas as they await the unification of forces.
“We want peace. We are not here to fight. Our forces need to be graduated as per the peace agreement, and we appeal to the government to fulfill this commitment,” he said. “The forces of President Salva Kiir and Dr. Riek Machar should be unified to avoid further conflicts.”
In response, SSPDF Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, who also serves as the Director of Media and Press, denied the allegations and accused SPLA-IO forces of initiating the attack.
“The SPLA-IO forces ambushed our soldiers and killed a boda-boda rider in Nagero County. The SSPDF is a national army and does not require permission from any group to operate within the country,” he stated. “We will not tolerate any group taking the law into their hands. The SSPDF will ensure peace and stability in the area, and those responsible for these attacks will face justice.”
The renewed clashes have raised concerns about the implementation of South Sudan’s peace agreement, with both sides calling for the unification of forces to prevent further conflicts.