New rebel group demands self-determination for Upper Nile region

New rebel group demands self-determination for Upper Nile region

Upper Nile People’s Liberation Front accuses President Salva Kiir of creating a system of governance in which the people of Upper Nile state and the country as whole have developed ethnic hatred that makes a future united country impossible.

General Henry Oyay Nyago, leader of the newly formed Upper Nile People’s Liberation Front/Army reading out statement on the formation
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A newly formed rebel group is demanding self-determination for the people of Upper Nile state saying it will wage assault on Juba should the unity government led by President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny refuse to recognize the demand.

The Upper Nile People’s Liberation Front/Army (UNPLF/A) was formed this week and its leaders include General Sebit Kong Kuon, a former National Salvation Front (NAS) commander who was arrested in Khartoum in January last year for trying to buy military uniforms from members of the Sudanese army.

In a statement extended to Sudans Post, the new rebel group accused President Salva Kiir of creating a system of governance in which the people of Upper Nile state and the country as whole have developed ethnic hatred that makes future united country impossible.

“The man-made civil war that took place in the country since December 2013 and SPLM-ruling-party-political crisis which associated with them has created destruction and devastation in the region and sow divisions among the communities and which is something created and delivered by Kiir regime. President Kiir government intentionally destroyed the health and the peaceful social fabric that existed between these communities who have co-existed together for centuries,” the statement extended to Sudans Post reads in part.

“The Greater Upper Nile communities have been living in love with each other but now have become divided by devil inform of human. The sons and daughters of Upper Nile Region have confirmed that Kiir’s regime has politically and militarily manipulated, planned and planted the long hostility/hate between the Upper Nile communities,” it added.

The group said it is calling for self-determination and will fight on against the government if demand is not met accusing the government in Juba of killing innocent people of Upper Nile state to remain in power.

“The movement is demanding and calling for right of self-determination for the people of Upper Nile Region to stop Kiir regime ill policies and hostility against the Upper Nile Region or gaining the right of self-ruling as federal system of governorship in South Sudan,” it said.

“If the regime failed to accept our demands, then we will work to create a new sovereign independent state politically, economically and security comprise of nine ethnic groups namely- Jie, Kachipo, Anyuak, Koma, Murile, Chollo, Dinka, Nuer and Maban, which are make up the former nine (9) districts of Upper Nile Region during the colonial era,” the statement added.

General Henry Oyay Nyago has been named the interim chairperson and commander in chief of the movement. Despite the strong-worded statement, it remains unclear if there is already an existing force that will wage the war as demands are unlikely to be considered

Via Sudanspost.com