South Sudan blames IGAD for not providing security

By KNA

Hundreds of people are believed to have died in clashes between rival South Sudan army factions

The South Sudan People Liberation Army (SPLA) has accused the Intergovernmental Authority Development (IGAD) of not trying to  restore peace in South Sudan regions.

During a press briefing Wednesday evening at a Nairobi hotel , the SPLA spokesman Philip Aguel however said that measures and safety precautions are being undertaken to ensure calm and urged the media not to speculate the allegations of the conflicts as being  a result of tribal misunderstandings.

“The presidential army is doing everything within its power to ensure harmonious living and peace keeping prevails and that the army known as F17 is now currently securing the people and the president,” said Mr Aguel.

Aguel also added that the coup violence which occurred in December last year was triggered conflict caused by political misunderstandings which the (IGAD) could have prevented from occurring.

“During the peace talks done in Addis Ababa Ethiopia  in December and attended by IGAD members,  reactions  should have been quick and immediate to the  coup and negotiated peace agreements with the rebels and the government of South Sudan,” asserted Mr Aguel.

He went on to challenge IGAD for not having placed sufficient mechanism and resolution of resolving political wars and that IGAD should re-implement the security mechanism and resolutions.

Meanwhile the press secretary to the South Sudan President, Ateny Wek confirmed that violence is still on in some parts of South Sudan region with the most recent occurring yesterday in Juba where five soldiers are alleged to have died.

“Peace talks are however being initiated across the region in a bid to see violence is submerged in all parts of South Sudan,” said Mr Wek.