Deadly renewed violence between the SSPDF and the SPLA-IO left at least 13 soldiers killed in Rubkona County. The fighting started at 5 a.m. on Sunday in Chotchar Village in Rubkona County after SSPDF troops allegedly attacked the SPLA-IO’s VIP Protection Unit.
In a statement extended to Sudans Post on Tuesday, Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organisation (CEPO), said the violence violates the ceasefire agreement.
“I would like to take this opportunity on a serious note to condemn the violence that took place in Rupkona, a military confrontation between SSPDF and SPLA-IO, which left between 12 and 13 soldiers killed,” Yakani said.
He warned that the renewal of military conflict between the SSPDF and SPLA-IO poses a risk of returning the country to war.
“This is a violation of the promise given to us by the leaders of the country that under their leadership the country will never return to war.”
Yakani urged politicians to refrain from using military solutions to resolve political differences.
“We have some South Sudanese political leaders and leaders in uniform who believe that a military solution is the best option for them to resolve their political crisis,” he said.
He urged politicians to refrain from inciting violence, stating that innocent civilians are suffering the consequences.
“As civil society leaders, we are urging the parties who are signatory to R-ARCSS to take responsibility to adhere to the cessation of hostility agreement signed in 2017.”
“We are tired of calling for inclusive political dialogue as a strategy for resolving the problems. It seems like our leaders have closed their minds to the idea that military confrontation is the best approach to address political crises,” he said.
Last week, a similar confrontation was reported in Kaikang village of Mayom County between the same rival forces, highlighting rising tensions within the security sector.
