Addis Ababa, May 19, 2015 (SSNA) — Sudan Sudan’s rebels have asked oil companies operating in the oil-rich Upper Nile State to immediately cease their operations and evacuate all their employees, the Spokesman for the Chairman of SPLM/A-IN Opposition James Gatdet Dak said in a statement.
The warning comes weeks after the two warring factions renewed fighting in Unity and Upper Nile States.
“SPLM/SPLA leadership has asked all oil companies operating in Upper Nile state to shut down their operations and evacuate their staff immediately. We also ask them to do the process of closing down in a safe manner that will not damage the oil facilities and cause environmental damage,” Gatdet said.
“This is a matter of urgency!” he added.
Gatdet argues that oil companies should leave because the fighting between the two rival forces is very close to the oilfields.
The rebel Spokesman also asserted the recent fighting is a result of government assaults on their positions, adding that the SPLA-IO repulsed government soldiers and decided to pursue them in their hideouts.
Gatdet further revealed that the rebel forces have also decided “to take control of the oilfields and deny Salva Kiir from using the oil revenues to perpetuate the war.”