Addis Ababa, June 8, 2014 (SSNA) — The Spokesperson for South Sudanese rebels’ military wing said government troops with their foreign allies have deserted their positions in Jonglei State, warning that such a move could result in a ‘wind of change’.
Federal Brig. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, the military Spokesperson for the Sudan people’s Liberation Army (in opposition) added that their forces have reoccupied the deserted outposts, saying the decision was made due to security reasons.
“Kiir’s troops and UPDF’s forces that had been occupying Gadiang forward base in Duk County, Jonglei had abandoned it along with Poktap, and Wernyol barracks. Other smaller military outposts were also abandoned. Salva’S forces and Allies are currently heading to Bor vie Panyagor, the Administrative HQs of Twic East County”, Beig. Gen. Koang wrote on his social media wall.
“SPLA’s Gallant Forces are occupying abandoned bases to avoid security vacuum and possible lawlessness”, he added.
General Koang also warned that the whole country could see “winds of change”, unless Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), the main protector of Kiir’s government maintains forward bases.
“With no UPDF forces in forward bases, Bor is left vulnerable to winds of change, Juba and eventually the whole country”, he warned.
Fighting erupted in Juba late last year, tens of thousands of people have been killed, and more than a million people have fled to the neighboring countries.
Peace talks between the two warring factions are continuing in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.