Calms Return To Juba After Thursday Clashes in South Sudan

By Jok P Mayom

JUBA, 08 July 2016 [Gurtong]- Calm has returned to Juba, following clashes on Thursday evening between the government forces and forces loyal to the First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar Teny.

Brig. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, SPLA spokesperson in a press release this morning confirmed the clashes as between the security forces and the forces of Dr. Riek Machar.

“At about 7:55PM, a vehicle carrying bodyguards for the First Vice President opened fire on security forces that were carrying out routine search on vehicles passing through Lou-Clinic Checkpoint” Gen. Lul said.

“This hostile fire resulted in deaths of 5 SPLA soldiers and wounding of 2 others” he added.

Gen. Lul said, “The SPLA Military High Command treats Juba clashes as an isolated incident that would be investigated by relevant institutions enshrined in the Peace Agreement.”

He said it’s important for the people of the South Sudan to be informed that increased presence of security forces on the streets and around major roundabout is aimed at enhancing, strengthening and improving security environment.

Meanwhile, James Gatdet Dak, Dr. Riek Machar’s Spokesperson said there was military a clash between 10 of their soldiers (SPLA-IO) and forces of the SPLA at around 8pm last evening in Juba.

“SPLA forces attacked our soldiers from the protection unit who were traveling in a vehicle on Gudele road in the town. They were taking food to our soldiers who always sleep in the office of the First Vice President at night to guard it” said Gatdet.

“A number of soldiers have been killed on the other side (SPLA). Two of our soldiers have sustained wounds” Machar spokesman said.

He said the clash which lasted for more than 10 minutes stopped and their soldiers returned to their base at Jebel Kujur. They have however remained vigilant.

“Calm has returned to the capital, Juba. The two Commanders-in-Chief, His Excellency President Salva Kiir and His Excellency First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, have called for calm and vowed to restraint their respective forces” said Machar’s spokesperson.

Residents of Juba were reminded of the mid-December 2013 war that broke out leaving thousands dead and many displaced.

In the past two days, soldiers have been searching vehicles and motorbikes along the main streets in Juba without number plates.

This incident has happened just two days before the celebrations of the independence anniversary of South Sudan to be held on Saturday 9th July.

However, the government said it will not commemorate the day due to lack of financial resources.