THEJUBAMIRROR
SPLA-IO RECAPTURES MIRMIR CANTONMENT SITE FROM SSPDF
07/04/2022
JUBA – South Sudan’s main armed opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) led by First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny has announced that it has retaken Mirmir cantonment site from South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF).
Since August last year, opposition splits have triggered infighting after General Simon Gatwech Dual announcing his defection from the SPLA-IO accusing Machar of failing to persuade Kiir in the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement, but then signed a peace deal with Kiir which is yet to be implemented.
Opposition infighting has taken place in northern Upper Nile, Jonglei and most recently Unity state where an opposition commander who declared his allegiance to Gatwech before joint Kiir attack Mirmir cantonment site and took its control from the SPLA-IO in March 2022.
In a brief statement on Facebook, Major Yai Pazale, the SPLA-IO spokesman for sector two command in Unity State said their forces have SPLA IO “resumed residence” after flashing out forces belonging to South Sudan People’s Defense Forces in Mirmir cantonment site.
The opposition mouthpiece said the group retook the area following “an attempt by the enemies of peace to extend their control after we left our cantonment site for the sake of the implementation of the peace agreement, R-ARCSS.”
The latest development comes days after President Kiir and First Vice President Machar signed an agreement for cessation of hostilities across the country with immediate effect after the main armed opposition group ceased its participation in the peace implementation mechanisms.
Following the agreement, Machar directed for return of his group to the security and peace monitoring mechanisms raising hopes of expedited implementation of the security arrangements provided for in the revitalized peace agreement.
Source: Sudan Posts ©
SPLA-IO spokesman for sector two command in Unity State Major Kerbino Yai Pazale
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