SPLA-IO factions clash in Jonglei – spokesman

JUBA — Fierce fighting has been reported in South Sudan’s Jonglei state between rival factions of the Sudan People Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLA-IO) with General Simon Gatwech Dual’s group accusing forces loyal to First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny of initiating the attack.

In a statement, SPLA-IO spokesman Brigadier-General William Gatjiath Deng who is allied to Gen. Gatwech said SPLA-IO forces belonging to Machar and commanded by Maj. Gen. Michael Wal Nyajany launched surprise attack on Pieri base where forces of General Gatwech are allegedly being hosted during the early hours of Wednesday.

“The office of information for Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition SPLA(IO) would like to announce the fresh attack to the public that, Dr. Riek Machar’s   forces led by Maj.General Michael Wal Nyak, from “Motot” launched unsuccessful attack to the SPLA (IO) forces under leadership of Interim Chairman and Commander-in-Chief, Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual, early this morning at ‘Pieri’ at 2:00AM,” Gatjiath said in a statement extended to Sudans Post.

The opposition commander claimed their forces repulsed the attack and urged regional powers to investigate the allegations against Machar for attacking their forces.

“Moreover, the SPLA (IO) under command of  Maj.General Tutnyang Gatkal Yien, seriousely responded in self defence, and repulsed the attackers, taught them the hottest lesson that they had never tested earlier before,  and pursued them to Motot in less than, no time,” he said.

“The new leadership under the interim chairman Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual, wants to know from the IGAD, AU,Troika and the all parties to the agreement, why does the first vice president Dr. Riek Machar,   continue operations against our forces during the peace process?” he added.

He further said “We therefore, want to keep alert all SPLA (IO) under the interim Chairman and Commander in Chief (C-in-C) Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual, to act seriously in self defence,  whenever they are attacked.”