In South Sudan, an ambush by armed youths resulted in the deaths of ten soldiers and injuries to twenty-one others in Nasir. The military blamed the attack on the SPLM-IO, while the opposition denied involvement, citing military aggression against civilians. Violence persists amid ongoing political uncertainty and tensions related to a peace agreement.
At least ten soldiers were killed and twenty-one others injured during an ambush by armed youths in South Sudan’s Upper Nile state, according to military reports. This incident took place at 3 a.m. on Sunday in the town of Nasir. Army spokesperson Lul Ruai Kong attributed the ambush to the armed wing of the opposition party, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO).
Kong asserted that the SPLM-IO, led by Vice President Riek Machar, instigated local youths to attack military positions, thereby exacerbating tensions within the community. He stated, “What these armed youths did in Nasir was due to incitement by opposition forces in the area to deepen divisions among the local population.” The army posits that it possesses sufficient evidence to hold the opposition accountable for this violence.
In response, opposition spokesperson Lam Paul Gabriel categorically denied the allegations, insisting that SPLM-IO forces were not involved in the ambush. He claimed, “We have not carried out any attack, nor have we incited local youths. The army has issues with the local population.” Gabriel further contended that the military’s actions against civilians prompted local youths to retaliate against government forces.
Currently, the government maintains control over parts of Nasir, while the remaining areas are held by opposition forces. Recent weeks have seen escalating clashes between the army and opposition groups across South Sudan, particularly in the southwest. This violence emerges amidst political uncertainty following a cabinet reshuffle by President Salva Kiir and delays in the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement.
The recent ambush in Nasir has escalated tensions between the South Sudanese government and opposition forces, which were already strained by a fragile political situation. The military blames the SPLM-IO for inciting violence, while the opposition denies involvement. The ongoing conflict highlights the complexities of South Sudan’s political landscape and the challenges hindering peace processes. The country remains vulnerable as both military actions and political instability continue to affect its citizens.
Original Source: efe.com
