Machar forces claim Sudanese rebels backing gov’t forces
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October 6, 2016 (BENTIU) - South Sudan’s armed opposition forces loyal
to the country’s former vice president, Riek Machar have accused
Sudanese rebel groups of allegedly fighting alongside forces loyal to
President Salva Kiir in oil-rich Unity state.
JPEG - 22.7 kb
Rebel fighters from the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), active in
Sudan’s western Darfur region (AFP)
The accusation comes in the wake of renewed clashes between South
Sudan rival forces in Unity state capital, Bentiu and Rubkotna county
in recent weeks.
Weirial Puok Baluang, the official spokesman for the rebel-appointed
the governor of Unity State claimed both the Justice for Equality
Movement (JEM) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-North (SPLM-N),
have allegedly joined South Sudanese government troops to fight rebels
in Bentiu and Rubkotna county.
“We are informing the world about the second involvement of foreign
mercenaries in south Sudan conflict. The combined JEM and SPLA-N have
returned back this week to Unity state’s soil in response to an
invitation by [President Salva] Kiir’s regime,” he said.
Baluang claimed the continued support allegedly being given to South
Sudanese government indicate that the current militants were weak and
would soon be defeat rebels forces in all Unity state fronts.
According to the armed opposition official, JEM fighters are currently
located in Mayom, Tor and Abiemnhom areas, while the SPLA-N are
stationed in Parieng, Unity state oilfields and Kilo-30 in Bentiu
outskirts.
He said the rebels would defeat both the army and those backing them.
“The SPLA in opposition will fight to the last man against those
mercenaries that help to maintain the toothless tribal JCE [Jieng
Council of Elders] kingdom in power. SPLA-IO soldiers will die as
heroes for a cause while the mercenaries will die in vain,” he said.
In 2014, a United Nations reports confirmed the presence of JEM
fighters in Unity State, a claim which was later dismissed by both the
Darfur-rebel group and South Sudanese government officials.
Machar recently warned that his armed opposition movement (SPLM-IO)
would fight the Juba government, which he described as “dictatorial”.
(ST)
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