Africa-Press – South-Sudan. South Sudan’s main armed opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) led by First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny is mobilizing for war in several parts of Upper Nile state, the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) said in a statement this evening.
The statement, a copy of which was extended to Sudans Post, said the mobilization campaign is being led by senior SPLA-IO commander, General Peter Thuok Chuok, General Thuok Chuol Leiy, General Hok-Dor Chuol, as well as SPLM-IO-nominated commissioners of Nasir and Longechuk Counties.
“It’s with great concern that SSPDF GHOs would like to inform the people of South Sudan, region and international community about ongoing massive mobilization of rebel forces and armed civilians by our peace partner, SPLM/SPLA-IO in Nasir, Maiwut and Longechuk Counties in Upper Nile State,” the statement said.
“Concerted mobilization efforts are being led by Lt. Gen. Peter Thuok Chuol, Maj. Gen. Thuok Chuol Leiy, Brig. Gen. Hok-Dor Chuol and Commissioners of Nasir and Longechuk Counties,” the statement added.
The statement said that the mobilization whose aim is for the main armed opposition group to regain control of areas that it lost during fighting with South Sudan People’s Defense Forces was focusing on recruiting civilians.
“As things stand, armed civilians from Cieng-Wang, Cieng-Lang and Cieng-Yol had been successfully mobilized with military objective of attacking and recapturing Malual-Gak-Hoth and Jekou in 1st phase of offensive operations,” the statement said.
“Ongoing mobilization of SPLM/SPLA-IO fighters and armed civilians from Cieng-Reng Thiang and some elements from Cieng-Chany is aimed at attacking and recapturing Turu, Maiwut and Pagak in 2nd phase of offensive operations,” the statement added.
The statement further “calls upon the international community, IGAD, RJMEC and CTSAM-VM to bear pressure on SPLM/SPLA-IO leadership in order to avert looming conflict” and also reiterates the SSPDF “commitment to full implementation of transitional arrangements.”
For More News And Analysis About South-Sudan Follow Africa-Press
