JUBA – The top commander of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) in Unity State’s sector two, Peter Ruot Chuol, has called for an investigation into recent clashes in Mayendit County.
SPLA-IO spokesman Major Kerbino Yai Pazale told Journalists on Friday that their base in Mirnyal came under surprised attack by Brigade 12 of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF).
Pazale denied initiating the attack and said they repelled the attackers.
Gen. Ruot claimed in a separate interview that a disagreement between Mayendit County Commissioner Gatluak Nyang and his assistant over stolen cattle led to shootings in Rubkuai.
He alleged the SPLA-IO was surprised when SSPDF Brigade 12 commander Brig. Gen. Gatluak Kai, unaware of the cause of the gunfire, attacked their base.
“There was a disagreement between the commissioner and his assistant over stolen cows. The assistant wanted to return the cows as ordered by the governor, but the commissioner refused. This led to an argument and then small clashes inside Rubkuai,” he said.
“Gatluak Gai, who commands SSPDF Brigade 12, thought we attacked Rubkuai when he heard the gunshots. He went directly to our forces in Mirnyal and attacked us. We resisted and repulsed them,” he added.
Ruot reiterated the SPLA-IO’s commitment to the peace agreement but urged the Joint Defense Board (JDB) to investigate the incident. He warned that such “small incidents” could escalate into devastating conflict.
“We’ve been committed to implementing the peace agreement, but our partners seem to be trying to impede the process and cause renewed war,” Ruot said.
“I urge the Juba government and the JDB to form a team to investigate these incidents, especially this one, because they could lead to bigger confrontations,” he added.
Ruot further reported one SPLA-IO soldier killed and two wounded in the fighting at Mirnyal.
He said the wounded are receiving treatment at a local medical center run by a humanitarian agency, which he didn’t name, in Mayendit County.
