SSPDF forces in Kuek reject request to reinforce Machar-allied forces after Magenis defeat  

JUBA – South Sudan government forces in Kuek of Northern Upper Nile state have refused a request by opposition commanders allied to First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny to reinforce their forces after defeat following fighting near Magenis, according an army source in Wadekona.

This morning, fighting erupted between rival opposition forces near Magenis after those loyal to First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny move out from their hideout to attack Magenis where forces loyal to Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual were located.

The fighting ended with defeat of Machar’s forces in which two senior commanders loyal to the First Vice President were allegedly killed in action.

Speaking to Sudans Post this afternoon, a senior South Sudan army general said from Wadekona in Upper Nile state that General Yak Dayiem had requested reinforcement from SSPDF forces in Kuek, but were told that it was not possible.

“Gen. Yak [Dayiem] called us this morning around 9AM and told us to reinforce them since they are our peace partners,” the army general who requested not to be named said. “But we cannot reinforce them because it is their internal issue and we cannot interfere because it would be a violation of the peace agreement.”