South Sudan opposition claims new military attack by government
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South Sudan’s opposition accused government forces of attacking a military site in Central Equatoria, threatening the fragile 2018 peace deal as clashes continue, and opposition leaders urge troops to stay alert.
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South Sudan soldiers patrol the street in Juba, South Sudan on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 (AP)
South Sudan’s opposition accused government forces of launching an attack on one of its military positions located in Central Equatoria State, as tensions persist and their already fragile power-sharing agreement shows increasing signs of unraveling.
Central Equatoria State, home to the capital Juba, was divided into zones held by government and opposition forces as part of a 2018 power-sharing agreement that brought an end to South Sudan’s five-year civil war, during which an estimated 400,000 people lost their lives.
"The SSPDF (South Sudan People's Defence Forces) has attacked Panyume cantonment site from multiple directions this morning," opposition spokesman Lam Paul Gabriel announced in a Facebook post, adding that clashes were still ongoing and updates will follow later.
Amid sustained attacks on its positions, the commander of the opposition forces ordered his troops to prepare for potential conflict, according to a statement by Gabriel on Tuesday.
Gabriel quoted Lt. Gen. Peter Thok Chuol as directing all sectors, divisions, and units of the SPLA-IO (Sudan People's Liberation Army in Opposition) to remain vigilant and to respond swiftly in defense of both themselves and the civilians within the areas under their control.
South Sudan ended its five-year-long civil war in 2018 with a power-sharing agreement between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, however, allies of the president are accusing Machar of creating unrest in Nasir county through the White Army, a group of armed youths from the same ethnic group as the VP.
Tensions in the world's youngest country have been rising after a United Nations helicopter carrying a South Sudanese general, along with dozens of soldiers, was shot down. by opposition forces.
The UN helicopter came under attack after heavy armed clashes erupted between national armed forces and the "White Army", a militia that South Sudanese President Salva Kiir alleges is loyal to his vice-president and political rival Riek Machar.
