MUNDRI – Fighting between South Sudan army and allied SPLA-IO and National Salvation Front rebels has forced tens of thousands to flee their homes in Mundri East County, Western Equatoria, as a government barrack is reportedly captured.
On Wednesday, September 24, SPLA-IO spokesperson Col. Lam Paul Gabriel, said the allied opposition forces attacked and overran the SSPDF garrison in Kadi’ba, Mundri East.
The statement said the offensive followed “continuous and unprovoked enemy incursion” to the rebel position as well as “unrelenting and systematic harassment and looting of the civil population” by the army.
Juba Witness could not immediately verify the accusations and the SSPDF spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang has not commented on the attack.
Col. Lam claimed that 13 SSPDF soldiers were killed in the fighting while one tank, 17 AK-47 rifles, two 12.7 m machineguns and four PKMs.
“By the capture of this enemy base, the joint force announces the complete control of Kadi’ba County in the Mundri area,” he stated.
30,000 displaced
Mundri East Commissioner John Henry said on Thursday that 30,000 people were displaced following the military clashes.
In an interview with news outlet Eye Radio, Henry said the clashes have forced the payam’s 30,000 people to flee and disrupted daily life. He said schools, businesses, and communication networks have all been shut.
Escalating violence, political deadlock and a deepening humanitarian crisis puts South Sudan “at a turning point”, according to the United Nations, which has since urged an end to hostilities, protection of civilians, and a renewed commitment to the Revitalized Peace Agreement.