The SPLA-IO spokesperson has vehemently condemned the
South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) for their purported assault on the
SPLA-IO cantonment location in Rirangu, Western Equatoria State.
Officials reported that the location was targeted on
Wednesday, with no injuries or fatalities resulting from the event.
On the same day, during a Joint Defense Board (JDB)
meeting, the SSPDF refuted involvement in the incident, characterizing it as a
tribal conflict.
Col. Lam Paul Gabriel, however, argued that the SSPDF
exploited the incident to rationalize their encroachment into territories
governed by the SPLA-IO.
“The expansion of territory by the SSPDF through
dismantling the SPLA-IO assembly areas in Western Equatoria and Western Bar-El
Gazal is a complete violation of the permanent ceasefire,” Paul told reporters
in Juba on Thursday.
The SSPDF had reportedly attacked the areas and removed
illegal checkpoints; however, Gabriel argued that the real motive was
territorial gain.
“The challenge was that there was no consensus reached
between the SSPDF and the SPLA-IO command on the modalities to be used to close
those checkpoints,” Paul explained.
He stressed that the purpose of the checkpoints was
security, not taxation, and accused the SSPDF of overstepping its authority by
unilaterally removing them.
The spokesperson further accused the SSPDF of violating
the peace agreement by engaging in offensive actions that are explicitly
prohibited under Article II of the September 2018 peace agreement.
In the wake of the attack and territorial tensions,
SPLA-IO is calling for an investigation into SSPDF’s actions.
“SPLA-IO calls upon the CTSAMVM and the JDB to
investigate these gross violations and bring those responsible to account,” he
continued.
“SPLA-IO calls on the SSPDF to understand the importance
of implementing the security arrangement in letter and spirit instead of waging
these unnecessary wars.”
The miliary officer reiterated that the SPLA-IO remains
committed to the peace process but will reserve the right to self-defense if
necessary, urging both sides to work together to uphold the terms of the peace
agreement.