Gen. Malong ready to attack says Kiir
South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has accused the former army chief of staff Gen. Paul Malong of planning an attack the government positions. President Kiir made the accusation while meeting Dinka Elders this week. Kiir alleges that he received audio recordings of Gen Malong ordering the army to attack Wau and Aweil. Gen Paul Malong who has been in Kenya seeking medical attention later released a statement denying the accusations and casting doubts about the authenticity of the recordings.
After the president’s comments, the commander of the 5th Infantry division in Wau Maj. General, Michael Majur Alier instructed the soldiers under him to keep on high alert in Gen. Paul Malong forces attack.
Rebels failing Ceasefire
The presidential adviser on military affairs in the South Sudanese government, Daniel Awet Akot, claimed that the cessation of hostilities agreement that was brokered by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is failing to hold because the armed opposition forces used the time as a chance to reorganize and mobilize themselves to gain more territory. Mr. Awet said that while the government upheld the agreement, rebel forces saw this as weakness on the side of the government and planned more attacks, such as those on Morobo and Kaya that were attacked by forces allied to Dr. Riek Machar while the cessation of hostilities agreement was in force.
Macher frees prisoners of war
Dr. Riek Machar, the leader of the armed opposition group SPLA-IO, ordered the release of prisoners of war in the areas controlled by the rebels. The former vice president made the order on Tuesday adding that this is in line with the cessation of hostilities agreement brokered by IGAD. Dr. Machar said the prisoners would be handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross that would then move them a suitable area.
Four government soldiers killed
Fresh clashes between government troops and rebels allied to Dr. Riek Macher outside Juba in Wunu’Lyet claimed the lives of at least four government soldiers and two rebel fighters. The confrontation took place at about 10 pm and forced many civilians to leave their homes for safer places. The deputy spokesperson of the rebels, Lam Paul, accused the government of having attacked them and violating the ceasefire agreement.
Former presidential adviser forms a new rebel group
A former presidential adviser for development in Salva Kiir’s government has formed a new rebel movement. Abdallah Albert formed a movement called the Eastern Front Army with an agenda to achieve federalism in South Sudan. The movement is prioritizing dialogue over military operations and according to Abdallah, the group will fight for the people of Eastern Equatoria and to have a federal system introduced in the country.
Militia accept to disarm
Groups of youth militia in Western Lakes state of South Sudan have agreed to disarmament. The militia that has been clashing amongst themselves and with the army agreed to lay down their weapons said the representative of the Western States in the national assembly Dharuai Mabor. This move is believed will reduce the hostilities in the area.
