By Yiep Joseph
South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) command has recalled its forces deployed in Nasir County of Upper Nile State to de-escalate tension in the area.
The move follows series of confrontations between the SSPDF and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) in Nasir and Western Equatoria State.
The clashes prompted calls from peace monitors and other actors for both forces to cease hostilities and allow peace efforts to proceed.
On Tuesday, Lt. Gen. Rabi Mujung Emmanuel, senior representative of the Incumbent Transitional Government of National Unity (ITGONU) to the security mechanism (CTSAMVM) stated that the SSPDF command is taking steps to end the confrontations and is investigating those suspected of involvement.
“The SSPDF forces in the area (Nasir) have overstayed for over years, and they are also causing a problem in the command, and as a result, the command came out with this decision to relieve the forces from Nasir,” Rabi said.
However, he added that the joint security forces will be deployed in the area to ensure that peace and stability are maintained.
“We are supposed to send unified forces to go and relieve the current forces in Nasir; however, the forces of SPL-IO and SSOA are not ready, and the command decided to send the component to SSPDF. When the SPLA-IO and SSOA forces are ready, they will join,” he said.
He called on the communities and the politicians to cooperate with the forces in order to restore peace in the area.
“We urged the various commanders around the area and political help to ensure peace and stability in Nasir,” he said.
Rabi acknowledged that recent conflict in Western Equatoria erupted just after the removal of Governor Alfred Futuyo, adding that such an act is condemned by the SSPDF command.
the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) division six in Western Equatoria state is commanded by General James Akech Adim.
Akech, together with Brigadier General James Nando, was recently accused of fueling conflict in Western Equatoria by the SPLA-IO, a statement that was denied by SSPDF spokesperson.
“In regards to what happened in Western Equatoria immediately after the announcement of the removal of the governor, it is condemned by the CDF,” Rabi said.
he revealed that the SSPDF command has confined the command in Western Equatoria state and ongoing investigations are underway.
“I would like to say that the commander of the sixth division has been confined; the administrative investigation will be carried out to find out and make sure that all those involved in this incident are held accountable,” he said.
He called on the public to remain calm, adding that the government is committed to ensuring that peace and stability are restored.
Meanwhile, during the same security mechanism meeting, Maj. Gen. Andrew Mangu of the SPLA-IO blamed the SSPDF for the continuous violation of the ceasefire.
He called on the SSPDF to stop sending more forces to Nasir in Upper Nile State in order to de-escalate the violence.
“Right now, they (SSPDF) are preparing to go to Nasir to face SPLA-IO; in order to have peace, this escalation should not take place,” he said.
He expressed that the removal of opposition leaders displayed a lack of political will and urged the parties to respect the peace.
“Since they (SPLM/IG) are not ready for peace, I urge our partner to make a clear statement that lets IO go back until they are ready so that we may come for peace,” he said.
He expressed frustrations, adding that the SSPDF continues to violate the ceasefire.
“At this moment we are frustrated and urge the CTSAMVM to make sure that it is neutral,” he added.
On his part, a senior member of the Former Detainees (FDs) in the Ceasefire Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM), Gen. Bior Leek, expressed worries as conflict between forces leads to the killing of innocent civilians.
He called on the parties with forces in conflict to end hostilities in order to pave the way for peace to prevail.
“I urged the two principals of the parties who are fighting on the ground but are sitting friendly in Juba to calm down and settle the ongoing violations,” Bior said.
Recently, the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) refuted allegations against General James Akech Adim of Division 6 and Brigadier General James Nando for fueling conflict in Western Equatoria.
SSPDF spokesman Major-General Lul Ruai Koang told reporters on last that the claims are false and that recent clashes were a result of efforts to dismantle illegal checkpoints.
“Closely linked with the operations on the removal of roadblocks, we came across a very long WhatsApp message. It was a very serious allegation against two senior generals from SSPDF: Major General James Akech Adim, Division 6 Commander, and Brigadier General James Nando, the one in charge of the second mobile infantry brigade,” he explained.
Meanwhile, in a separate press conference in Juba, Col. Lam Paul Gabriel, spokesperson for the SPLA-IO, claimed that the SSPDF commanders attempted to assassinate General Futuyo after his removal; fortunately, he survived.