South Sudan government broke the permanent ceasefire by attacking the positions of rebels in the Upper Nile, Col. Lam Paul Gabriel informed the public on Tuesday.
In a press release shared with Ramciel, Lam said a combined force of National Security forces, Tiger and SSPDF attack their assembly area in Bankida, violating the cease-fire that has been on hold for nearly 2 years.
“This morning the 26/01/2021 at about 8:00 AM, a combined force of National Security forces, Tiger, and the SSPDF attacked the SPLA-IO assembly area of Bankida in complete violations of the Permanent ceasefire.”
The rebels tactically withdrew from the area after being directed to leave the town, Lam further alleged.
“The SPLA-IO forces tactically withdrew from Bankida on directives from the SPLA-IO High Command.”
The leadership of the rebel’s movement demanded an immediate withdrawal of the government forces from the assembly area to avoid further escalation of the confrontation.
“The SPLA-IO strongly condemns this constant suicidal act of aggression against its forces and positions by forces of the SPLM-IG; and, is, therefore, demanding a complete withdrawal of this combined force from Bankida as soon as possible to avoid the escalation of this provocative attack.”
“The SPLA-IO remains committed to the implementation of the Security Arrangements in particular and the R-ARCSS in general but it holds the right to self-defense when attacked,” Lam further clarifies.