SSPDF and affiliated militia responsible for road ambushes
The culprits behind the recent road attacks and ambushes targetting civilian travellers are none other than Kiir’s very own forces and their associated militia who have setup countless illegal check-points used primarily to exploit travellers and extort money and other resources – NAS Spokesman Suba Samuel said in a press release.
The spokesperson made the statement today April 1, 2021 in a press release refuting wild accusations that NAS forces were involved in the recent Juba-Yei road incident.
The press release also condemned a careless remark by the Governor of Central Equatoria State (CES) that falsely accused NAS and likened the revolutionary movement to a terrorist organisation.
“On the same note, NAS condemns the irresponsible remarks made by the Governor of Central Equatoria State (CES) Hon Emmanual Adil Anthony who falsely accused NAS of carrying out road ambushes and further describing NAS as a terrorist organisation,” read the statement in part.
“NAS would like to inform the people of South Sudan and the International Community that, the road from Juba to Yei is covered by the illegal SSPDF and its allied militia’s checkpoint [that are being] primarily used for extortion of money and other resources from the travellers.”
The statement went on to explain that, as part of their strategy to continue dominating the roads to expand their uncontrolled looting, pillaging and excessive use of force against innocent civilians, the culprits are trying to disguise their inhumane crimes and blame NAS -the people’s movement.
…as part of their strategy to continue dominating the roads to expand their uncontrolled looting, pillaging and excessive use of force against innocent civilians, the culprits are trying to disguise their inhumane crimes and blame NAS – the people’s movement
To better illustrate the point of cover-ups, appeasing their masters in Juba and pointing fingers at NAS, the statement pointed out the recent case of the murder of eight (8) people in Keji-Kajo county and the displacement in Otogo Payam – the home village of CES Governor Emmanuel Adil. Instead of standing up for his people and speaking up on their behalf, the Governor unsurprisingly chose to remain silent and “show [the regime of Salva Kiir] that he is a loyal errand boy”.
Although NAS forces in both Yei and Lainya Area Command have been under continuous attack for the last two weeks – a clear sign that Kiir’s is not interested in a peaceful resolution of the root causes of the conflict in the country, the statement concluded by stating that “NAS reiterates its commitment to the COHA signed on 21st December 2017 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and to the Rome Declaration signed on 12th January 2020 in Rome Italy. NAS however, reserves the right to self-defense.”
Related:
[EyeRadio] Citizens accuse SSPDF of extortion along the Juba-Yei Road
