South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Awan Achiek
A South Sudanese activist on Saturday called on political leaders to renew efforts towards peace and stability after clashes between the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in Opposition (SPLA-IO) and the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) in Yei River County.
The heavy fighting that erupted on Saturday morning between SPLA-IO and SSPDF in Yei River County has left at least 17 soldiers dead.
The deadly violence occurred after the Joint Force of the SPLA-IO and NAS-TC launched offensive attacks on the SSPDF bases in Lasu and Libogo.
SPLA-IO spokesman, Col. Lam Paul Gabriel, claimed they recaptured the SSPDF bases in Lasu and Libogo, seizing weapons including one Land Cruiser pickup, a mortar, and other assault rifles.
Ter Manyang Gatwech, Executive Director for the Centre for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), called for an immediate ceasefire and renewed dialogue to end the violence in the country.
“In civilised societies, there is no military solution to political disagreements. I call on all South Sudanese political leaders to act responsibly and resolve conflicts through peaceful and democratic means,” Manyang said in a statement seen by the Dawn on Saturday.
Manyang stated that the renewed violence violates the 2017 ceasefire agreement signed by President Salva Kiir Mayardit and his first deputy, Dr. Riek Machar Teny.
“Should the country descend into full-scale war, the leadership will be held accountable for their failure to act in the interest of peace,” he said.
He called on both SSPDF and SPLA-IO to renew their commitments to peace.
“We urge the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU) to prioritise dialogue, mediation, and negotiation to resolve disputes. The people of South Sudan deserve lasting peace, not renewed violence.”
He said the incidents signal a dangerous trend and raise fears of a possible escalation of violence.
He added that the fighting undermines national stability and reconciliation efforts.
He expressed his organisation’s commitment to promoting peaceful conflict resolution and called on all stakeholders to recommit to the ceasefire and the peace process for the sake of the nation.
