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The officials in the County of Pochalla said that, they have received reports that armed youths from GPAA specifically Pibor County are already in the move to launch fresh attacks in Pochalla.
The Pochalla youths and the army based in Pochalla town had been in a violent clashes which started this September 18th 2023.
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The clashes was triggered when former army commander Col. Okony Okwom Or how was shot dead inside his house in Pochalla town by his army comrades, this let to 10 youths dead and 8 youths nursing their injuries.
Hon. Owety Olung the Acting Pochalla County Commissioner while speaking to the media said that, armed youths from Pibor County were mobilized and they are on the way heading to attack Pochalla areas.
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“A helicopter carrying guns and ammunition landed in Muruo and then Murle youths were mobilized and armed by the SSPDF commander there and GPAA officials. On Monday, those youths started heading for Pochalla with intentions of carrying out attacks,” Hon. Olung said.
Hon. Olung further revealed that, the youths from Pochalla are our there fighting off the advancing armed youths from Pibor County.
“Our youth have left the town to fight off the advancing armed youth. Since Monday, we told them not to attack the military barracks because it is a symbol of our country though the army in Pochalla has chosen to be a party to politics in Greater Pibor.” Hon. Olung revealed.
Hon. Olung further said that, 15 SSPDF decided not to join the senseless fighting.
“Even now, there are 15 SSPDF soldiers with us who refused to join this senseless fight.” Olung said.
The lawmaker representing Pochalla County Hon. Charles Wello Onyony for his part he said that, the fighting was orchestrated to annahilate the Anyuak people because they opposed the GPAA and that is why the government is using excessive military power.
“It is for the first time in South Sudan that gunships are being used to carry out airstrikes on civilians. We wonder who even gives such approval,” Hon. Charles wondered.
Hon. Charles further claimed that forces behind the scene had 'armed to the teeth' the Murle youths to attack and cripple Pochalla.
“Again, Murle youths are being mobilized and given guns and ammunition by GPAA to attack Pochalla, Otallo, and Ajwara. For us, we are suffering and we do not have a son in the military leadership to support us with weapons or ammunitions or even for our concerns to be heard.” Hon. Charles claimed.
Hon. Charles further distance the Anyuak people from instigating the fight by saying that, the clashes was instigated by the GPAA leaders and they are using government resources to fight the Anyuak people.
“This fighting was initiated by the GPAA authorities and they are now using government resources to fight the Anyuak,” Charles added.
The lawmaker further claimed that he raised the agenda in the TNLA Parliament yesterday on how his people are being treated as if they not South Sudanese.
Hon. Abraham Kelang, GPAA Information Minister, refutes this allegations by saying that, no youths from Murle have been mobilized and the current clashes is mostly between the Army and some rebel group.
“There is no mobilization of our youth to attack the Anyuak community. The ongoing clashes involved a rebellious group opposing and fighting the government,” Hon. Abraham denied.
“There is no grouping of normal citizens. As a government, we plan to find a peaceful settlement to this issue.” Hon. Concluded.
However, Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, the SSPDF spokesperson, said the allegations by the Pochalla officials were baseless fabrications.
Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, Army spokesperson said that, the allegations are all lies and we're baseless.
“We have enough forces with our Brigade 23 in Greater Pibor and we are still holding our positions. So, there is no need for civilians to be mobilized to fight on our side,” Maj. Gen. Lul said.
Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang further explained that, no brigade commander as the access nor the right to use military warcraft and all the allegations are false and baseless.
“A brigade commander does not have authority to use military aircraft and these are just fabrications.” Maj. Gen. Lul said.
Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai, clarified the allegations on the use of aircraft by saying that, gunships were used to rescue the soldiers because the army was overpowered by the armed youths.
On the issue of airstrikes, gunships were used at our request to rescue our soldiers because those armed youth overran our trenches at the southern part of the barracks.” Maj. Gen. Lul said.
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