South Sudan army says rebel forces tried to steal soldiers’ salaries

JUBA – South Sudan army on Monday accused the National Salvation Front (NAS) led by General Thomas Cirilo Swaka of attempting to steal salaries of soldiers from a military vehicle traveling on a Central Equatoria highway.

In a statement extended to Sudans Post, army spokesman Major General Lul Ruai Koang said the attack took place on August 23, 2020 at mile 55. Lul said three members of the army were killed in the process.

“On August 23rd, 2020 own Administrative vehicle delivering salaries and Food Rations to forces deployed at Mile 55 was deliberately ambushed by NAS fighters resulting in four dedicated servicemen getting martyred while two sustained gunshot wounds,” the statement said adding that “among the fallen comrades was a brave officer at the rank of Captain.”

“Own small force of Platoon Minus heroically fought in self-defense and managed to break through. It’s worth underscoring that SSPDF couldn’t inform NAS in advance on forces’ movement for administrative purposes due to the fact that they are not represented on various monitoring mechanisms.”

General Lul said the NAS attack was motivated “by greed to steal salaries and food rations meant for own soldiers and lack of commitment to Rome Declaration and escalation of low scale operations for publicity stunt. Continuous attacks on own forces is tantamount to rattling King Cobra.”

The army spokesman further reiterated his side’s commitment to the peaceful resolution of the conflict and the ceasefire agreement signed by rebel groups and the government in January this year in Italy.

“However, SSPDF reiterates its commitment to Rome Declaration, calls upon CTSAMM to investigate, IGAD and Community of Sant’Egildio to hold NAS leader personally responsible for continued violations.”