The leadership of SSUF/A under former SPLA Chief of Staff Gen. Paul Malong Awan claims their position in Western Equatoria was under attack from the government forces.
The confrontation took place on the 3rd of July in Rongo, Western Equatoria. SSUF/A has been station in this location for months.
According to SSUF/A spokesperson Chol Duang Chan told Ramciel that their position came under heavy attack from the government soldiers, but they have tactically withdrawn to deescalate the situation.
In the process, they set ablaze two government tanks but their four fighters “sustained non-fatal injuries”.
“South Sudan United Front/Army, SSUF/A, would like to inform our supporters, South Sudanese in general and the international community that our forces stationed in Rongo, Western Equatoria State, came under unprovoked attack from government forces on the morning of Saturday, 3rd of July, 2021. As a result of that aggression, four of our combatants sustained non-fatal gun injuries while the enemy forces suffered heavy losses in personnel and equipment, including setting ablaze their two tanks.”
“Tactically, our forces have withdrawn from Rongo but could return fire in self-defence in case of further provocation from the regime army.”
Chol said, despite this confrontation, their faction still observes the ceasefire and committed to October 2020 and the Rome Peace process.
“SUFF/A wishes to reiterate its commitment to the cessation of hostilities and ceasefire agreement, COHO, renewed on October 3-3- and the Rome Peace process under the Sant ’Egidio community mediation effort.”